Denton County Living Well Magazine May/June 2019 | Page 18

TIPS FOR
DEALING WITH
SPRING
ALLERGIES
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
Spring in North Texas can be especially brutal for allergy
sufferers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation
of America, Dallas ranks 19thin the nation for the most
challenging places to live with spring allergies, although
this year’s ranking is an improvement from last year’s no.
7 rank.
Spring allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose and nasal
congestion, as well as dry, red, itchy, burning or even swol-
len eyes. These symptoms are more than irritating; they can
be downright painful.
How allergies affect your eyes
When the conjunctiva (mucous membrane covering the
whites of the eyes and lining the eyelids) comes into con-
tact with allergens such as pollen from grasses, trees and
weeds, the immune system senses a threat and antibod-
ies are developed that release histamine, causing watery,
itchy, red eyes.
In addition to seasonal allergies, many people suffer from
perennial allergies, which may be caused by dust, mold,
pet dander, air pollution, cosmetics, perfume, medication
or smoke. If you aren’t certain of the cause of your eye al-
lergies, ask your doctor for an allergy test to determine the
source of your discomfort.
Common types of allergic eye conditions
Allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: This is
the most common allergic eye condition, and it is typically
associated with seasonal allergies or hay fever. The release
of histamine can cause common eye allergy symptoms, in-
cluding itchy, red, burning, watery or swollen eyes. Topical
antihistamine drops, decongestants and mast-cell stabiliz-
ers are common treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis: Primarily affecting adolescent
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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2019
boys, this condition involves inflammation in the conjuncti-
va and the cornea. Symptoms include itchy, red patches on
the eyelids, scaly or crusty skin on the eyelids, heavy dis-
charge or sensitivity to light. If not properly managed, this
condition could lead to permanent scarring of the cornea
from rubbing and scratching.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Though less common, this spring
eye allergy condition causes the eyes to become itchy, sen-
sitive to light and can even cause eyelids to feel heavy or
droopy. Improper treatment may lead to impaired vision.
A short-term, low-dose prescription of topical steroids has
shown to be the most effective treatment for this condition.
Eye care tips for dealing with seasonal allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, follow these eye care
tips for relief from your symptoms:
• Apply a cold compress. If your eyes are puffy or swollen
from allergies, a cold compress can provide temporary
relief.
• Stay inside and keep your windows closed on high
pollen count days. Local weather services provide
daily pollen counts. When pollen is high, avoid being
outside as much as possible. Typically, pollen counts
tend to be higher mid-morning and early evening.
• Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to block pollen from
your eyes. When you do go outside, eyeglasses or
sunglasses can provide an extra shield to protect your
eyes from allergens that may be in the air.
• Practice proper contact lens care. Contact lens wearers
may experience more allergy symptoms due to allergens
becoming trapped behind the contact lens. Lenses
should be cleaned thoroughly and changed regularly.
Do not share contact lenses or cases with others.