What Are Spring Allergies?

Spring has sprung, and the change in season promises fairer weather and new beginnings. Unfortunately, spring’s new growth can also create seasonal allergies that leave you with congestion, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye allergies are also called allergic conjunctivitis, are pretty common. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them (called an allergen). The eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva become red, swollen, and itchy. The eyes can tear and burn. Unlike other kinds of conjunctivitis, eye allergies do not spread from person to person.

Patients who suffer from spring eye allergies commonly have nasal allergies and an itchy, stuffy nose and sneezing. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies.

You can also get eye allergies from pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, or even foods. If you cannot avoid the cause, your allergies can be more severe. You can have significant burning and itching and even sensitivity to light.

What Are the Symptoms Of Eye Allergies?

The most common eye allergy symptoms include:

red, swollen, or itchy eyes
burning or tearing of the eyes
sensitivity to light

What causes eye allergies?

An allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen that is ordinarily harmless. When an allergen comes in contact with your eye, specific cells within your eye (called mast cells) release histamine and other substances to fight off the allergen. This reaction causes your eyes to become red, itchy, and watery.

What are Eye Allergy Triggers?

Outdoor allergens, such as pollen from grass, trees, and ragweed
Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold
Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume

Spring Eye Allergy Management

Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and your routine.

Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car.
Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
Wash your hands and face frequently.

If you experience spring eye allergies, make an appointment today. Please make sure you consult with your eye doctor before using any over-the-counter eye drops because a prescription oral antihistamine, eye drops, or injection may be more effective to manage your symptoms. If your allergies cause vision changes, feelings of a foreign object in your eye, or acute pain, make an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

We are available to help you conquer Spring Eye Allergies to ensure a Happy Spring Season!