Eye Allergies
The eyes are the windows to the soul because they reflect our state of mind. This certainly can't be true if our eyes are red, swollen, watery, and itchy from an allergic reaction. Severe allergic eye symptoms can be very distressing and are a common reason for visits to the allergist and even the emergency room. Occasionally, severe eye allergies cause serious damage that can threaten eyesight.
Like all allergies, allergic conjunctivitis starts when the immune system identifies an otherwise harmless substance as an allergen. This causes your immune system to overreact and produce antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals which cause an allergic reaction. In this case, allergic reactions include eyes that water, itch, hurt or become red or swollen. Red, itchy, burning, and puffy eyes can be caused also by infections and other conditions that do threaten eyesight
There are two types of eye allergies: seasonal, which are more common, and perennial. Seasonal allergies happen only at certain times of the year—usually early spring through summer and into autumn. They're caused by exposure to allergens in the air, commonly pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds, as well as spores from molds.
Perennial allergies occur throughout the year. They're caused mostly by exposure to dust mites, feathers (as in bedding) and animal (pet) dander. Other substances, including perfumes, smoke, chlorine, air pollution, cosmetics, and certain medicines, can also play a role.
Sometimes, it's easy to tell what's causing an allergy -- for example, if symptoms strike when you go outside on a windy, high-pollen-count day, or when a furry friend climbs onto your lap. If it's not clear just what you're allergic to, a doctor can give you a simple test to find out. So, it's smart to see your doctor if eye symptoms don't get better with self-help strategies or over the counter allergy remedies.
