Eye Allergies

It has been estimated that approximately fifty million individuals in the United States suffer from allergies that are specific to the eyes. These allergies affect a region of the eye that is referred to as the ‘Conjunctiva’. This is a type of skin that covers the eyes but is clear in color.

An allergic based reaction that occurs in this particular region is called Allergic Conjunctivitis. While there are many different types of this reaction, most medical professionals will group the allergies into two main categories, which include:

• Seasonal
• Perennial

In both types of eye allergies, the body responds to a particular allergen. When the body identifies the allergen, it interprets it as an invader and potentially harmful.

The immune system will immediately kick in and attempt to attack the item that it perceives as a danger. Allergens include the dander from pets, various types of weeds, different types of grass, dust, and even pollen.

There are many symptoms that may become present when an individual suffers from eye allergies. The severity of the symptoms will be based on the overall hypersensitivity of the sufferer. These symptoms may include any or all of the following:

• Redness in the eyes, and possibly even on the skin that surrounds the eye.
• It is common for the tear ducts to release tears in an effort to soothe dry eyes.
• Many individuals speak of experiencing pain or sensations that are described as ‘burning’.
• The vision may become blurred due to the amount of moisture in the eye.
• The production of mucous almost always becomes known when an individual experiences eye allergies.

While eye allergies are considered to be common and typically nothing to worry about, there are serious complications that may arise due to the infectious agents in the eyes.

If you suffer from any type of eye allergy - whether mild or severe - you should make an appointment with a medical doctor to determine the true severity of the issue and to start in a treatment program.