Posts Tagged → eye lids
‘Tis the Season for Eye Allergies
Ah, springtime. The sun is shining, the fields are green, the flowers are in full bloom. It’s a beautiful time of year, but if you are among the millions of people who suffer from allergies, it can wreak havoc on your eyes and sinuses.
An eye allergy, also known as “allergic conjunctivitis,” is a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens such as pollen, dust, mold or pet dander, that get into your eyes and cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and eyeball. The body responds to these allergens and irritants by releasing chemicals called histamines, which in turn cause inflammation, making the eye tissues red and swollen. The eyes are an easy target for allergens because, like skin, they are exposed and sensitive. If you have dry eyes, you may be more susceptible to eye allergies because there are fewer tears to rinse the allergens away.
Unlike viral or bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), eye allergies are not contagious, but can be very irritating. Signs of eye allergies include red, itchy, burning, watery or swollen eyes, a gritty sensation in the eye, and blurred vision. These symptoms are often accompanied by a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, coughing or a sinus headache. Usually, both eyes are affected, but one may be worse than the other.
As always, prevention is the best medicine, but here are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms:
–Try to avoid contact with the substances that trigger your allergies. Stay inside, close the windows and cool off with air conditioners, and wear full-coverage sunglasses when you must go outside.
–Don’t touch or rub your eyes.
–Wear glasses instead of contact lenses or switch to daily-wear contacts.
–Apply cold compresses to the eyes.
–Use an over-the-counter eye drop to help relieve itching and burning.
–If your symptoms persist or worsen, see your optometrist, who can recommend or prescribe oral anti-histamines and eye drops.
How do you deal with seasonal eye allergies? Please share your tips.
For more information:
–Eye Allergy By Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., About.com Guide Updated January 15, 2009
–Eye Allergies YouTube–Types of Allergies: Eye Allergies from the Weather Channel
Dr. Ronald J. Martin of VisionHealth Optometry focuses on quality eye care services to family members of all ages. Services include eye exams, contact lens fittings, retinal photography, pre- and post-operative care, and glasses frames and lens selection. Dr. Martin’s office is located at 1440 Medical Center Dr. Suite2, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. He can be reached at 707-206-0290 or email him at questions@vision-health.com. Visit VisionHealth Optometry online at http://www.vision-health.com.
Dr. Martin is a member of the California Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the Redwood Empire Optometric Society, and the Optometry Alumni Association of the University of California.
Why Do People Develop Dry Eyes?
Many women come into the office complaining that they are having trouble seeing to drive, read or watch television. Most of them are going through menopause, but don’t know that one of the main causes of dry eye is menopause. Men also have dry eyes as they age.
What Keeps a Person from Having Dry Eyes?
The eye depends on tears to give continuous moisture and to lubricate the eye for healthy vision and comfort. Tears are made of a combination of oils for lubrication, water for moisture, mucus for even distribution, and antibodies and special proteins for infection resistance. The components are secreted from glands located around the eye. When something is out of balance, the result may be dry eyes.
