Your eyes are delicate organs with many intricate components. Most people spend all of their waking hours with their eyes open. So it’s no wonder that these miraculous orbs that work together to bring objects into focus and send visual information to your brain can easily get red and puffy due to allergic conjunctivitis. Millions of Americans suffer from this condition. Being aware of the triggers and how to treat the symptoms can make your life a lot easier.
The symptoms can include blurry vision, excess tearing, itching, swollen eyelids, light sensitivity, a burning feeling, and redness in your inner eyelids or the whites of your eyes.
Your eyes become irritated when they come into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Particular cells in your eyes, called mast cells, discharge a substance called histamine, whose mission is to fight off the allergen. Though it’s hard to resist, rubbing your eyes makes the mast cells release even more of their irritating chemicals.
Helpful hints
When your eyes get red and puffy, remove your contact lenses, don’t wear eye makeup, rinse allergens from your eyes using preservative-free artificial tears, wash your hands often and rest cool compresses on your eyes.
Combat tactics
If your peepers get peeved when you’re outside in the spring and summer, weed, tree and grass pollens are the major offenders. When pollen skyrockets, stay inside, close your windows and crank up the air conditioner. Wraparound sunglasses can keep pollen out of your eyes.
Your biggest indoor enemies are dust mites, molds, and pet dander; they’re aggravators all year long.
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid settings so you should use bedding and pillowcases that keep them isolated. Wash the sheets in hot water. Keep humidity levels in your home between 30 and 50 percent. Scrub the areas of your bathrooms, kitchen and basements where mold is most likely to form, and don’t allow your furry friends access to your bedroom.
Drs. Chandler & Davis provide a warm and welcoming experience for each patient. You can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced optometric treatment. You’ll also find an extensive assortment of contact lenses and eyeglass frames to fit your every need. Please don’t hesitate to stop by or make an appointment.
The information on this site is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and does not substitute for consultation with optometrist, ophthalmologist or any other medical professional. If you have any questions about your individual situation, please contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist.