Ocular allergies are less common than other allergies like nasal allergies. Hence, it is common to assume that someone suffering from an allergy should be sneezing. However, people are becoming more aware of ocular allergies. Moreover, people may find it hard to tell dry eyes apart from eye allergies, but the main telltale symptom is always itchiness. Ocular allergies always cause itchiness.

You may have ocular allergies when your eyes suddenly feel itchy for no particular reason. They usually happen when something from the environment enters your eyes. Your body may identify it as harmful, setting off a reaction that causes allergic symptoms. Treatment for eye allergies is straightforward, and over-the-counter medication usually works.

What Are the Different Types of Eye Allergies?

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, are the most common eye allergies. As the name suggests, these allergies tend to manifest during certain seasons. Depending on the pollen filling the air, they commonly appear in fall, summer, or spring. 

Symptoms

Seasonal allergies usually present the following symptoms:

 

• Watery discharge

• Redness

• Itchiness

• Burning sensation or stinginess
  
   

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis

Unlike seasonal allergies, these usually occur all year round and are much milder. They are also not as affected or triggered by environmental factors like pollen. Instead, they are commonly triggered by allergens around the house, like mold and dust. Their symptoms are similar to seasonal allergies.

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

It is one of the more serious allergic reactions that can occur in your eyes. It is not triggered in specific seasons, meaning it can occur throughout the year. When untreated, it can cause significant vision impairment.

Despite not being caused by seasonal allergens, these allergies tend to worsen in allergy seasons. It is commonly comorbid with asthma and eczema and is more prevalent among young men. 

Symptoms

• Gritty feeling in your eye, like there is sand in it

• Excessive tearing and thick mucus production

• Sensitivity to light

• Excessive itchiness

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

It is very much like vernal keratoconjunctivitis in symptoms and causes. However, it is more common in older people than in younger ones. When left untreated, it can lead to scarring on the corneal surface.

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis

It usually occurs because of irritation from contact lens wear. The most common symptoms are redness, contact lens discomfort, mucus discharge from the eye, and itchiness.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

It is another form of contact lens-induced allergy. However, it is much more severe as it causes the formation of fluid sacs in the upper inner eyelid. In addition to symptoms of contact lens-induced allergies, you may also experience blurry vision, a gritty feeling in your eye, tearing, and puffiness.

Which Medications Help With Ocular Allergies?

You can quickly get over-the-counter medication to help relieve allergies. You can get some antihistamines and eye drops, which are helpful for most people. These usually block the chemical your body produces, which causes the symptoms you feel. 

What If Over-the-counter Medication Does Not Work?

Sometimes, the medication you get from your local pharmacy may not be effective. It could be that you need to get the correct treatment for your specific allergy. Or your body is not responsive to the medication. The best way forward is to visit an eye doctor who will give you the correct diagnosis. At Westchester Eyes we will work to address the root cause of your eye irritation and find a suitable treatment for you.

 

For more on treatment for ocular allergies, contact Westchester Eyes at our office in White Plains, New York. Call (914) 732-1732 to book an appointment today.