When life had begun to appear on earth, one of the first things to develop was the eyes. The importance of eyes for the survival of any species on the earth can be gauged from this fact. The defense mechanisms put up by the body to protect eyes are quite striking.
It includes the eyelids, eyelashes and the conjunctiva, which covers the eyeball. In spite of all this defense mechanism of the body, eyes continue to be one of the most sensitive organs in the human body and are always open to the attack of airborne allergens.
Eye Allergies: Overview
Eye allergies are one of the most common disorders of the eye, affecting an estimated 40 million Americans. There are two types of eye allergies that are most common: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs during the spring and fall. It's triggered by outdoor allergens such as tree, grass and weed pollen. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis persists throughout the year. It's caused by constantly present indoor allergens such as dust, mold, animal hair and pet dander.
Are there other symptoms of eye allergies?
People with SAC usually note the onset of symptoms during the spring and fall, and frequently note symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms include itchy eyes, burning of the eyes, and eye watering. In some cases, people notice sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
The eyes are usually red and the eyelids may become swollen. When the inside of the eyelid (the conjunctiva) is also swollen, the eyes may have a watery, gelatinous-like appearance, this is called "chemosis". PAC typically occurs year-round, although many people notice some seasonal flares to their symptoms. The severity of PAC is less than that of SAC, and PAC is much more likely to be associated with perennial allergic rhinitis.
What causes eye allergies? Eye allergies can occur alone or along with nasal allergy symptoms like a runny, itchy nose, nasal congestion or headache. They start when the body's immune system overreacts to something that is ordinarily harmless. When the allergen comes in contact with the eye, there's a reaction. The allergen causes cells in the eye to release histamine and other substances that cause blood vessels in the eyes to swell and to become itchy, red and watery.
If you have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye allergy, then grass, tree and weed pollens may trigger your eye allergies. Pet hair, dust mites and molds can also trigger symptoms for some people during the year.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EYE ALLERGY
· You think your child needs to be seen · Sacs of yellow fluid on whites of eyes or inner lids · Eyelids are swollen shut (or almost) · Discharge on eyelids that's not cleared after taking allergy medicines for 2 days
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