Do you suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of eye allergies? Here are some of the top tips from our Calgary eye doctor on what eye allergies are and how you can prevent them.
Exposure to common allergens, such as pollen, pets, animal hair, and dust, are some of the most common causes of eye allergies. When these allergens come into contact with the surface of your eye, then they can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
- Itchy or foreign body sensation in the eye
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- Swollen or puffy eyelids
Eye allergies can also play a role in conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections. If eye allergies are affecting your health and quality of life, then it’s important to book an eye exam at our Calgary eye clinic as soon as possible.
Our Calgary Optometrists Provide Comprehensive Eye Exams and Dry Eye Care to Help You Maintain Clear Vision
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms of eye allergies, then you should visit your Calgary eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. At our Calgary eye clinic, our optometrists can perform various tests to help diagnose and manage your condition, as well as provide dry eye care to keep your eyes healthy and vision comfortable.
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How Are Eye Allergies Detected?
To provide proper treatment, your eye doctor will check during an eye exam to see if you have an eye infection, or allergies. They may use a slit-lamp microscope to check for signs of eye allergies, such as swollen blood vessels on the surface of your eye. You may also be asked about your medical history and your family’s history of allergies.
How are eye allergies treated?
Allergy-associated conjunctivitis may disappear completely when the allergy is treated when the allergen is removed or when it is treated with medications, such as the use of antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Your eye doctor may also suggest:
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Antihistamine drops. These will reduce swelling, redness, and itching, by blocking the actions of histamine, the chemical that causes allergic symptoms. They are available by prescription or over the counter.
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Steroid eye drops. You may be prescribed steroid eye drops to relieve the symptoms of this condition. These must only be used under the supervision of your eye doctor, since they can lead to increased pressure in the eye, which may lead to vision damage.
10 Ways to Alleviate the Symptoms of Eye Allergies
If you are having symptoms of eye allergies, then there are steps you can take to help relieve any discomfort. This includes:
- Discontinuing the use of contact lenses
- Using cold compresses on your eyes (cotton wool soaked in cold water)
- Using artificial tears or lubricating drops, which can help eliminate itching
- Avoiding substances that trigger your allergies
- Shutting doors and windows to keep allergens from the environment out
- Staying indoors when the pollen count is high
- Avoiding garden work if possible
- Keeping pets out of the bedroom
- Avoiding carpets because they collect allergens
- Vacuuming carpets weekly
Other Tips for Dealing with Eye Allergies
If you are suffering from itchy, red, and watery eyes due to eye allergies, here are some other things you must remember:
- Do not touch or rub your eyes
- Always wash your hands with warm water and soap before touching your eyes
- Wash your bed linens regularly to reduce dust mites.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup when you have allergies
- Don’t share eye makeup with anyone
- NEVER wear another person’s contact lenses
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses to reduce irritation
Our Calgary Eye Doctors Are Happy to Be Serving You Once Again!
We are happy to announce that our Calgary eye clinic is now open and our optometrists are happy to be serving you once again! We are currently rescheduling patients on a priority basis and are taking all necessary safety and infection controls to keep our patients, staff, and community safe.
If you have any questions about eye allergies, or if you have an eye emergency or require an eye exam, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 403-280-7518
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