Itchy, red, watery eyes are a common symptom of allergies — so common, they’ve earned their own medical term: allergic conjunctivitis. These symptoms occur when irritants, such as mold, pollen, or pet dander, irritate the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of your eye (the sclera) and the inner surface of your eyelids.
Like other allergy symptoms, allergic conjunctivitis symptoms can be short-lived and mild, clearing up within a couple of days. But sometimes symptoms are more severe and longer-lasting, resulting in discomfort and blurry vision that can interfere with activities and impact your quality of life.
While not contagious like other types of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is uncomfortable and common, affecting about 40% of the population. Fortunately, it can be treated.
In this post, Rodrigo Belalcazar, MD, PLLC, and our team at Advanced Eye Center in Hialeah, Florida, discuss the options that can help you find relief for your itchy, red eyes.
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to specific substances called allergens. When your body comes in contact with an allergen, your immune system recognizes otherwise-harmless substances, like dust, as bad germs that need to be attacked.
Your immune system responds with a host of symptoms. Depending on the allergen that’s involved and how your immune system reacts, you might have symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy skin, or red, itchy eyes.
Some people get allergic conjunctivitis (or eye allergies) only during specific seasons, usually when pollen is at its highest. Other people can have allergic conjunctivitis throughout the year. This type of allergic reaction is usually associated with indoor irritants, like smoke, chemicals, or dust.
The most common symptoms associated with eye allergies include redness, itching, burning sensations, and watering or tearing. Irritation may lead to temporary blurriness, particularly if your eyes are very watery or you rub them frequently. Because your eyes are so sensitive, even minor exposure to an irritant can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
Like any allergy, the first step in managing allergic conjunctivitis is to limit exposure to the irritant when possible. Keeping your windows closed, especially on windy days or when the pollen count is high, can help decrease allergies caused by pollen and some types of mold. Changing your air filters regularly is important too.
For indoor allergies caused by dust, dust mites, mildew, or pet dander, consider washing your bedding frequently and vacuuming and dusting regularly to eliminate dander and spores and keep dust mite populations under control.
Giving your eyes a little extra TLC can also help. For instance, using cold compresses reduces inflammation and relieves itching and other symptoms, while artificial tears help wash your eye surface and provide added lubrication — especially helpful if your eyes feel gritty or scratchy. Some people find that over-the-counter allergy medications also relieve symptoms.
It’s important to note that while allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, it can sometimes be confused for other types of conjunctivitis that are highly contagious. What’s more, other eye infections and diseases, like glaucoma, can cause redness.
For these reasons, it’s important to have your eye redness evaluated as soon as possible to ensure you’re using the most appropriate treatment.
To learn why your eyes are red and what we can do to help, request an appointment with Dr. Belalcazar and our team at Advanced Eye Center today by calling 305-707-6011. You can also schedule your visit online.
