Do you suffer from eye allergies? Here’s what you need to know about the causes and signs of this condition, and how our NW Calgary eye doctors can help you find quick relief from any symptoms you may have.
Eye allergies are called allergic conjunctivitis. This is when the conjunctiva, the translucent membrane that covers your eyes, becomes inflamed, when an allergen comes into contact with them. Some of the most common causes of eye allergies include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Smoke
- Reactions to certain cosmetics or eye drops
In some cases, eye allergies can also play a role in conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections. If eye allergies are affecting your health and quality of life, then it’s important to visit your NW Calgary optometrist for an eye exam as soon as possible.
Our NW Calgary Eye Doctors Can Help You Achieve Clear and Comfortable Vision
The only way to know for sure if you have eye allergies and to receive the best treatment advice, is by visiting an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. At our Calgary eye clinic, our optometrists can perform various tests to help diagnose and manage your condition, so you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision.
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What Are the Symptoms of Eye Allergies?
While eye allergies are not normally vision-threatening, the symptoms can range from slight to severe. If you are one of the many people who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, you may experience some of the following:
- Mild to severe itching
- Eye redness
- Watery eyes
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Mucus formation
Although eye allergies can occur on their own, this condition most commonly occurs in people who suffer from other types of allergies, including those that affect the respiratory system.
How Can I Treat Eye Allergies for Better Vision?
While eye allergies can be frustrating to deal with, the good news is that by visiting your Calgary optometrist, you can find fast relief from your condition! Here are some steps you can take to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of eye allergies:
1. Avoiding Allergens
One of the best approaches to controlling your eye allergies is by limiting your exposure to common allergens that you know you are sensitive to. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors as much as possible when the pollen count is high.
Talk to your optometrist about sunglasses: If your eye allergies are caused by outdoor allergens, make sure to wear wraparound sunglasses when you are outside. This will help shield your eyes from any pollen. Also make sure to always drive with your windows closed!
2. Removing Contact Lenses
Since the surface of your contact lenses may attract and accumulate airborne allergens, you may want to consider wearing eyeglasses during allergy season. Or you can talk to your optometrist about daily disposable contact lenses.
You will be able to discard these after a single use to avoid the buildup of allergens and other debris on your lenses. However, the best course of action is to discontinue wearing contacts all together, until your allergy symptoms have gone away.
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3. Using Eye Drops
There are many brands of non-prescription eye drops available that are formulated to relieve you of many of the frustrating symptoms of eye allergies, including:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Watery eyes
If your eye allergy is relatively mild, then non-prescription eye drops may work well for you. Just remember to ALWAYS ask your doctor to recommend a brand to try.
Our NW Calgary Eye Doctors Are Happy to Be Serving You Once Again!
We are happy to announce that our Calgary eye clinic is now open and our optometrists are happy to be serving you once again! We are currently rescheduling patients on a priority basis and are taking all necessary safety and infection controls to keep our patients, staff, and community safe.
If you have any questions about eye allergies, or if you have an eye emergency or require an eye exam, contact us at 403-286-4884 or fill in our online contact form.
