Eye Allergy Treatment Fort Collins
Are you suffering from itchy and irritated eyes due to allergies? Poudre Valley Eyecare is the most appropriate center to treat your eye allergies if you live in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Our team of expert eye doctors here at our Fort Collins eye clinic has specialized experience and knowledge in treating various forms of allergic Conjunctivitis. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments available, we can help alleviate your discomfort to get back to enjoying life.
Before proceeding and treating your allergies, here is a comprehensive guide to eye allergies, the symptoms, the different types, and more.
Eye Allergy Symptoms
Eye allergies are a common problem that can cause itchy and irritated eyes. Symptoms can vary from person to person but may include others too.
Redness
Eye allergies can often cause uncomfortable redness in the eyes due to rising and releasing histamine levels in the body. When someone has an allergic reaction, their eyes may turn red, become itchy and swollen, water more than usual, and even become painful.
Itchiness
Itchy eyes are one of the most common symptoms of eye allergies. Itchiness around the eyes is often accompanied by redness, swelling, and a stuffy nose.
In addition, people experiencing eye allergen-induced itchiness may experience watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
Burning feeling
Feeling a burning sensation is very common in people with eye allergies. This usually occurs when eyes become sensitive to irritants like pollen that enter the eyes and cause irritation.
As with all allergy symptoms, treatment often involves avoiding exposure to allergens such as by limiting interaction with pets or minimizing time outdoors.
Watery eyes
Watery eyes happen when the eye’s tear ducts are triggered to produce increased tears to flush out allergens that may have entered inside. While this symptom is uncomfortable, it is a natural response that often resolves once a medication has been administered.
Swollen eyelids
Just like other symptoms, swollen eyelids are typically caused by airborne allergens. This is an early sign of an allergic reaction and can be accompanied by itchiness, redness in the eyes, and a runny nose.
Experience any of these symptoms? At Poudre Valley Eyecare, we work with optometrists that have years of experience treating all types of eye allergies. Book your appointment today and get better in no time.
Medicine to take for eye allergies
1. Artificial tears
Artificial tears help to moisturize and lubricate the surface of your eyes, relieving the discomfort caused by allergens. Artificial tears also act as a protective barrier against further irritation from these elements. Plus, they come in different forms – like drops or gels.
2. Decongestant eyedrops
Decongestant eyedrops are an effective and simple solution to eye allergies. Such drops contain a decongestant that quickly reduces swelling in the conjunctiva, thus relieving symptoms like redness and itchiness. Additionally, decongestant eyedrops only reduce inflammation externally and do not cause drowsiness.
A word of caution – do not apply eyedrops for redness for more than a week, as they can cause further damage.
3. Nonsedating oral antihistamines
Antihistamines have been found to reduce itching, inflammation, and associated eye discomfort. They are generally safe, though they may cause minor side effects in some individuals. Nonsedating oral antihistamines are available over the counter. However, they may cause dry eyes.
4. Allergy shots (prescription)
Allergy injections, also known as allergen immunotherapy, could provide long-term relief from these reactions. A doctor or allergist typically administers allergy shots over a period of three to five years.
During this time, small but increasing doses of the allergen are released into the body, allowing it to eventually develop an immunity to the substance causing the reaction.
When is the best time to see an optometrist?
Eye allergies can be a persistent, annoying nuisance, especially when they cause inflamed or itchy eyes.
You should visit an optometrist when over-the-counter medication doesn’t work or if symptoms don’t disappear or get worse over time. An optometrist can suggest medications such as antihistamines with specific instructions for your eyes.
Types of eye allergies
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Seasonal Conjunctivitis, a part of hay fever, occurs during different seasons due to the high pollen count in the air. Symptoms include redness and itching of the eyes, increased production of tears, and mucus discharge from the eyes.
This condition is generally treatable with certain types of over-the-counter eye drops.
Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
Perennial Conjunctivitis (PAC) is characterized by symptoms lasting year-round. This condition presents itself with redness, itching, and tearing in the eyes, caused by allergens like pet dander, dust mites, or mold.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an eye allergy more commonly found in adolescents and young men. It is a severe inflammatory condition that can be triggered by exposure to seasonal allergens.
Individuals affected by Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis are usually hypersensitive to allergens.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and often includes prescription drops or anti-inflammatory agents.
Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic type of eye allergy, common in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, a skin condition.
Its symptoms can range from mild to severe but generally involve redness and blurry vision. In mild cases, the symptoms may be temporary with proper care, but some individuals may require long-term treatment.
These are the main types of eye allergies, but others exist, such as Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, which is common in people wearing contact lenses. If you have long-lasting symptoms, make sure to book an appointment with Poudre Valley Eyecare today.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
This eye allergy results from a reaction to airborne particles or a compromised immune system. It is an inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva and causes symptoms like:
- Redness
- Itchy eyes
- A burning sensation
- Discharge
- Swollen eyelids
Allergic reactions can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamine/mast cell stabilizers and ocular decongestants. You should seek medical attention and temporarily avoid wearing contact lenses for more serious cases.
7 ways to help prevent Eye Allergies
The solutions below are the best ways to prevent eye allergies:
1. Wear glasses to avoid pet hair
2. Steer away from cigarette smoke
3. Close your windows during high-pollen periods
4. Don’t rub your eyes to avoid bacterial infections
5. Have a healthy diet to have a stronger immune system
6. Use a dehumidifier to limit indoor allergens
7. During the summer, always replace air conditioning filters into your A/C.
Dr. Eric Torgerson
Owner at Poudre Valley Eyecare
Dr. Eric Torgerson is the owner of Poudre Valley Eyecare, and has been recognized for his contributions to optometry and his commitment to community health through various roles and accolades within the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Association.
Why Choose Us?
Our advanced technology and individualized care deliver results for patients of all ages. Our routine exams allow us to spot changes in your vision and allow us to treat those changes early. We have a comprehensive understanding of eye care, which means we can treat a wide range of conditions and chronic diseases. Our in-depth routine exams and customized treatment plans set us apart from the rest.
