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About Eye Allergies & Allergic Conjunctivitis
Eye allergies and allergic conjunctivitis are extremely common. In fact, as many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a very common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, which is the clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as Allergic Conjunctivitis.
Allergic, or “hay fever”, conjunctivitis is most commonly seen in geographic areas with a high incidence of seasonal allergies, including Massachusetts. The most common types are Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) and Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC). SAC and PAC are triggered when a person is exposed to an allergen, most often one that is airborne. In other words, if you are allergic to a particular substance and then come into contact with it, you experience an allergic reaction such as itchy eyes itching, sneezing or watery eyes.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Symptoms often develop rapidly after exposure to the allergen and include itching, tearing, burning, red eyes, mucus discharge and eyelid swelling. The conjunctiva is the same type of skin that lines the inside of the nose. Therefore, the same allergens can cause similar types of allergic reactions in both the eyes and the nose. The most common forms of allergens include pollen from grass, trees and weeds as well as dust, molds, and pet dander. Although the actual symptoms of SAC and PAC are pretty similar they tend to occur at different times.SAC symptoms occur in the spring and summer from grass and trees, or fall from weeds. The attacks are usually short-lived and absent during other times of the year. PAC symptoms can occur year-round and are typically caused by dust and/or pet dander.
If we can identify and avoid the particular agent(s) that you are allergic to, we will be able to better treat your symptoms and they will improve significantly.
About the Liquid Antigen Eye Allergy Test
At D'Ambrosio Eye Care we use a new eye allergy test that uses liquid antigens on a plastic applicator that is placed on the patient?s forearm with gentle pressure-and it provides results in less than 15 minutes. If the patient is allergic to a particular allergen there is a small hive that forms on their forearm. By more accurately determining if and to which antigens a patient is allergic to it gives the doctor the ability to identify where they might be present in the patient’s environment and deal with them accordingly, along with the eye symptoms and signs of the allergy. This in office testing is covered by almost all major health insurance companies.
Knowing the cause of the allergies helps us to determine the best course of treatment. Sometimes oral antihistamines alone or with antihistamine or steroid eye drops are necessary whereas in other cases we simply need to counsel and advise the patient to remove and avoid the source of the allergen in their home or workplace. If you have allergies that cause you to experience symptoms such as itchy watery eyes you may be one of a great many allergy sufferers who could benefit from the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
There are many very effective eye drops we can prescribe. If necessary we can help reduce eye allergies by identifying those substances that you are most allergic to through skin testing. If you or someone you know experiences eye allergies, itchy eyes or allergic conjunctivitis and needs help, please call D'Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment.