Treatment For Eye Allergies At Family Vision Clinic Farmington
If redness, itching, and other irritating symptoms have made everyday life and vision a challenge, you may be one of the many unhappy individuals plagued with eye allergies. Allergic reactions can afflict the eyes at any time of year, although many people experience a seasonal worsening of symptoms. Whatever form your eye allergy may take, you can rest assured that relief is at hand here at Family Vision Clinic. Our Farmington, MN, optometrist can help you identify the allergy trigger and then treat your symptoms.
Allergic Reactions and Your Eyes
An allergic reaction is an immune response to a perceived threat from the outside world. If your immune system detects the presence of what might be a disease germ, it reacts by releasing histamine and antibodies into the bloodstream to fight the intruder. Unfortunately, in the case of an allergy, the "intruder" is usually some harmless trigger, ranging from plant products to foods. Some of the most common substances that trigger eye allergy symptoms include:
- Seasonal pollens
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Protein debris collecting on contact lenses
- Eye makeup
- Household or outdoor dust
- Airborne chemicals, such as cleaning products or industrial pollutants
- Tobacco smoke
Even a food allergy can cause upper respiratory reactions that peripherally affect the eyes. Eye allergies tend to cause eye-watering, redness, itchy or "foreign body" sensation, swelling of the eyelids, blurred vision, and extreme light sensitivity. Many of these symptoms are collectively known as allergic conjunctivitis. Like other forms of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis can lead to corneal damage if it goes unchecked. Any impairment of your vision also opens the door for accidents and driving hazards.
Our Optometrist Can Help You Cope With Eye Allergies
Bring your irritated, allergic eyes to Family Vision Clinic. Our optometrist will perform a thorough eye exam to determine whether your symptoms are a genuine allergic reaction or another eye issue that requires treatment. If your allergy symptoms correspond to known air quality problems, we can recommend wraparound sunglasses or home cleaning practices that will limit the problem. If your contact lenses are triggering allergic reactions, we can switch you to a more hypoallergenic lens product. You may also benefit from changes in your makeup routine or products. If you can't steer clear of your everyday allergy triggers, antihistamines or steroid drugs can help you control symptoms.
Enjoy More Comfortable Eyes in Farmington, MN
Everyone deserves to enjoy comfortable eyes and clear vision. If eye allergies are interfering with your quality of life, call our Farmington, MN, optometrist at Family Vision Clinic at (651) 463-2020 to schedule an appointment.