How Do You Know If Allergies Are Affecting Your Eyes?

You may not think about allergies when it comes to your eyes. After all, many people have seasonal allergies, like hay fever and mold allergies. However, these illnesses can have an impact on your vision and even lead to an eye infection if left untreated. 

Read on as an optometrist Lake Stevens, WA talks about allergies, how they can affect your eyes, and the importance of getting treatment.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to a substance that is normally harmless. The body’s immune system overreacts to this substance, releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation, itching, swelling, and other symptoms.

Allergy triggers fall into two categories: airborne or food-based. Common airborne allergens include:

• Pollen from trees and grasses
• Mold spores found indoors or outdoors
• Dust mites 
• Pet dander
• Certain pollens such as ragweed
• Cockroaches
• Fleas
• Molds on foods like peanuts or wheat products

Eye Allergy Triggers

The main allergens that cause eye allergies are pollen, dander and dust mites. Animal dander is also a known trigger for allergic reactions in the eyes. Mold spores and airborne chemicals can also be to blame for your symptoms if you’re sensitive enough.

Allergic reactions are triggered when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as foreign or harmful. It releases histamines into tissues of the nose, throat and skin; these cause inflammation which results in symptoms such as redness and swelling.

Symptoms of eye allergies can include itchy eyes, watery eyes, swelling around the eyes and a feeling of pressure in your eyelids. You may also notice that your eyes are red or bloodshot.

Can Allergies Affect My Eye Health When Left Untreated?

If you have allergies and do not treat them, your eyes can suffer. Allergies can cause inflammation that can lead to a range of problems that compromise your vision. This can make it difficult for you to see clearly and even cause pain.

Here are just a few problems that can develop when eye allergies go untreated:

• Conjunctivitis
• Dry eye syndrome
• Eye infections
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

Eye Allergy Treatment

Eye allergy symptoms can be mild and temporary, or they can be severe and long-lasting. If you think that eye allergies might be causing your symptoms, the best thing to do is see an eye doctor. They can perform allergy testing and help you find the best treatment for your symptoms.

And if you have more questions or wish to schedule an eye wellness checkup, please feel free to call us, your local optometrist Lake Stevens, WA, anytime!