Our eyes are very sensitive and can get triggered to harmful substances easily causing irritation and optical discomfort. Eye allergies affect 10%-30% of the general population and are often regarded as a common cause in specific seasons for people with susceptible eye conditions. In this article, you will learn all about eye allergic conditions, including the pathways for the occurrence and preventive measures.
A Brief on Allergic Conjunctivitis
The covering of your eyeball and the inner membrane of your eyelids are made up of a membrane called the conjunctiva. The pellicle is susceptible to irritation from allergens and is quite common, especially during hay fever season.
When your eyes come into contact with an allergen, it compels the immune system to overreact assuming the substance is potentially harmful to the body. The situation results in inflammation, dilating the blood vessels with increased secretions of tears.
The condition often comes in two types; acute allergic and chronic allergic states and if the nose gets combined with the problem causing irritation and inflammation on the mucous membrane (medically termed as rhinitis) an illness called allergic rhinoconjunctivitis occurs.
Miscellaneous Allergic Conditions
Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal or perennial and also due to contact with cosmetics and for reasons like contact lens wear with poor hygienic practices. The common causes for the illness are often involved with the following factors;
Household dust – This mixture of sloughed-off skin cells, hair, clothing fibers, bacteria, germs, and other microscopic specs can involve allergic conditions irritating the eyes.
Pollen – Many people have an adverse immune response when they breathe these fine powders produced by trees, flowers, and weeds. The body usually defends against these harmful invaders to ward off illnesses.
Animal dander – Flecks of skin shed by pets can trigger allergic conditions especially to those who show high reactivity to foreign substances.
Mold spores – Mold spores are usually harmless but when accumulated in places with excessive moisture due to leakages in roofs, pipes, or walls the contamination to the eye can result in susceptible conditions.
Chemical scents – These volatile organic compounds can be sensitive to the eyes due to certain chemical constitutes included in the perfume and often causes headaches and breathing issues as well for those who experience the problem.
Diagnosis And Treatment
The condition can be diagnosed by examining the eyes verifying the signs and symptoms of the patients. The eye doctor also requests a medical history with similar conditions if you are more prone to get allergies seasonally and annually.
Redness and small bumps inside the eyelids are visible signs of conjunctivitis along with the itchy, watery conditions. Once you visit the eye hospital different types of tests will be followed to diagnose the condition.
Allergy skin tests, blood tests, and scraping of the conjunctival membrane can be performed to examine the condition and eye drops and oral medications will be recommended in accordance with each situation.
Basic Eye Care And Preventive Measures
Adhering to home care methods once experienced and limiting the exposure to the possible environmental factors are the best ways to keep you away from this problematic condition.
If you get triggered by this eye allergic condition avoid rubbing your eyes and apply cool compresses to help reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms. You can practice the following methods to minimize your exposure to allergens.
- Keep windows closed when the pollen count is high
- Ensure your house furniture and upholstery is cleaned and free of dust mites
- Keep your pets out of the bedroom and keep them clean with regular baths.
- Use an indoor air purifier
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemical scents and use fragrance-free body wash and detergents.
If you are prone to allergic conditions try your maximum to avoid the causes for the condition and be extra cautious with your surroundings. The practices will help to keep you away from the problematic conditions and protect your optic health free of illnesses. Visit Ebsaar Eye surgery center for all your optic issues and obtain treatments from the best eye specialist in Dubai.