Allergies Specialist

What causes eye allergies?

Like other types of allergies, eye allergies can be caused by many factors, including:

• pollen

• mold

• pet dander

• eye makeup

• facial cleansers, shampoos, soaps and detergents

• chemical fumes

• pollutants including smoke and car exhaust

Contact lens wearers may be more likely to develop eye allergies, and most people who have allergic symptoms in their eyes also have other allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or atopic dermatitis (eczema).

What are the symptoms of eye allergies?

Symptoms of eye allergies can range from mild to severe, depending on your sensitivity and exposure to allergens. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• itching, stinging or burning sensations

• excessive tearing

• redness

• thick mucus discharge from the eyes, especially while sleeping

• heightened sensitivity to light

• foreign body sensation (the feeling an object is poking into your eye)

Sometimes, symptoms may occur with other allergic symptoms, such as sore or itchy throat, sneezing, or runny nose.

How are eye allergies treated?

Ideally, to reduce flare-ups you would try to avoid the trigger whenever possible. In many cases, though, the allergens are unavoidable, especially when allergies are caused by seasonal pollutants like pollen. Current treatments for eye allergies include prescription eye drops to help reduce itching and other symptoms. In more severe cases, antihistamines may be prescribed as well to help treat the allergy systemically. If you experience eye allergies, it's best to avoid long-term use of over-the-counter eye drops, since overuse of these products can cause symptoms to become worse or may mask symptoms that indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate care and treatment. Instead, make an appointment to have your symptoms evaluated to ensure they aren't related to an infection or another serious issue.