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Below are links to pages that speak to diseases, conditions, treatments and procedures that we commonly see in the field of retina specialty. While many of the diseases we treat or services we provide are not listed, we are continually adding to this section to provide further educational materials to improve your health care experience.

Eye Care Instructions for Ocular (Eye) Allergies

What are ocular allergies?

Ocular (eye) allergies are a common, chronic condition affecting 20% to 25% of Americans. Ocular allergies are no different than allergies that may affect your nose, sinuses, or lungs. In fact, your eyes are among the tissues most sensitive and vulnerable to allergies.

Ocular allergies affect the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the outer surface of your eyes and the inner surfaces of your eyelids. Because an allergic reaction causes the conjunctiva to become inflamed (reddened), ocular allergies are often called allergic conjunctivitis. There are several different forms of ocular allergies, some mild and some potentially serious. The mild forms, such as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever), are the most common.

What causes ocular allergies?

Allergies in general are often inherited. There is a 40% chance a child will have allergies if one parent has allergies and a 75% chance if both parents have allergies.

Things that trigger an allergic reaction are called allergens. Hay fever is caused by exposure to allergens in the air, such as pollen from trees and grasses in the spring and from ragweed in the fall. Allergens associated with other ocular allergies, such as mold, dust, dust mites, and pet hair or dander, are typically found indoors.

What are the symptoms of ocular allergies?

It may be difficult to tell allergic conjunctivitis from conjunctivitis caused by an infection. The main symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is itchiness, usually in both eyes. If you have a reddened conjunctiva without itchiness, it probably is not allergic conjunctivitis.

In addition to itchiness, symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis may include

• Burning
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Excessive tearing or watering
• Swelling around the eyes
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses or intolerance

If you have some forms of allergic conjunctivitis, you may also have allergic symptoms affecting your nose, such as sneezing and a runny nose. More than 80% of people who have nasal allergies also have allergic conjunctivitis.

What can I do to reduce ocular allergies?

There are a number of medicines your doctor may prescribe for you. In general, prescription medicines are considered more effective than many over-the-counter ocular allergy products. Over-the-counter ocular allergy products often for short term symptomatic relief and contain preservatives that can cause unwanted eye effects, such as redness. Similarly, some oral antihistamines taken to treat nasal allergies may make ocular allergy symptoms worse. Older antihistamines are known to cause dryness of the eyes, which can lead to tearing or watery eyes.

There are a few changes you can make in your lifestyle to help prevent an ocular allergic reaction:

• Limit exposure to allergens and known triggers, such as pollen or pet hair.
• If you think you have been exposed to an allergen, wash your eyes with cool water soon afterward.
• Use HEPA filters in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, and in vacuum cleaners.
• Use dust mite–proof bedding.
• Don’t rub your eyes.