Preventing Eye Allergies
It is estimated that about 50 million Americans suffer from allergy. They have to face symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing, formation of rashes, breaking of hives, and sinus infections. Unfortunately four percent of these people face a more troublesome symptom; they suffer from allergies in the eyes. Just think if normal symptoms cause so much trouble then what kind of troubles people having allergy in eyes face.
Eye allergy or otherwise known as allergic conjunctivitis happens when one comes in contact with allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pollutants, dander from pets and other common allergens that incite allergic reactions. In case of eye allergy these allergens inflame the membrane covering the white portion of the eye or conjunctiva (hence the name allergic conjunctivitis) and cause symptoms like a burning sensation in the eye, swelling and itchiness. Some patients even complain of blurred vision. Allergy in eyes can be intensely painful (in fact any infection in the eyes is painful) and disrupt everyday life.
The best way to not get infected is to prevent it although in this case I cannot assure a 100% guarantee that you will succeed in avoiding allergens because it is practically impossible to avoid dust particles from entering your eyes. The situation gets worse for those who wear contact lenses. For this reason a lot of people avoid wearing contact lenses during allergy season. Some change over to allergy friendly lenses like disposable lenses. As disposable lenses are used for a single day so they help avoid the build-up of dust and pollutants and minimize the chances of contracting eye allergy. Remember the only way to avoid allergic conjunctivitis is to prevent it, because once you get infected you will have to endure it as long as medicines don’t cure it. Although it is not possible to completely stop dust and other allergens from entering the eyes but here are a few tips that will help you prevent them:
- Don’t rub your eyes; it may provide temporary relief but rubbing can cause more harm than good. It can damage tissues and cause infection; moreover if your hands are not clean then there is a greater risk of getting infected.
- Wash your bed covers, pillow covers and mattress covers at least once in every two weeks in hot water. This will help keep dust mites and air borne allergens at bay.
- Eye liners and other cosmetic products can incite allergies. It’s best to avoid them.
- Keep your hands clean, wash them with anti-bacterial soap.
In case you contract eye allergy don’t just rely on over the counter drugs, visit your optometrist and get yourself treated as soon as possible.
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