Eye Allergies

Managing Eye Allergies With Our Kissimmee, FL Eye Specialists

When your eyes are itchy, puffy, watery, and red, they are trying to tell you something. These are the symptoms of eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis. Here at Eye Care Specialists of Florida in Kissimmee, our doctor can identify your allergy triggers, treat them, and bring you much-needed relief.  

man rubbing his eyes from eye allergies

What Are Eye Allergies?

An allergy is when the body's immune system reacts to an allergen. The allergen may be harmless for most people, but cause symptoms for others. When exposed to an allergen, your eyes release histamine and other substances to combat it, which causes the red, itchy, watery response of the conjunctiva, the clear layer of mucous membrane covering the eyes. The same mucous membrane also lines the nasal passages, which may simultaneously react to the allergens. 

Identifying The Triggers

It isn't unusual to have eye allergies. It is estimated that 20% of Americans have them. The triggers are very commonplace and include:

  • Pet dander
  • Feathers
  • Dust
  • Pollen from grass, weeds, and trees
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Mold
  • Smoke
  • Cosmetics
  • Perfumes
  • Cleaning products and other chemicals
  • Drugs
  • Foods

Some of these are impossible to avoid and need proper management by a professional optometry team. However, once you know your triggers, you can try to avoid or at least limit contact with them. 

  • Pollen, weeds, and grass. Check your local news sources for seasonal, airborne counts. If the count is high, avoid going outdoors. Close the windows and use air conditioning in your home and car. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from debris.
  • Dust.  Keep dust at a minimum. Use a damp mop to clean floors. Encase your mattress and pillows in protective covers. Wash bedclothes often in water of about 120 degrees.
  • Pet dander.  Consider adopting pets who have little to no dander. Keep pets outside as much as possible. Hardwood or tile floors are preferable to carpet which would hold dander. Wash your hands and clothes after interacting with a pet. 

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Your symptoms may show up immediately upon exposure or take a day or two to present. Some possible reactions are:

  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Tearing or runny eyes
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Soreness, burning
  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Runny nose and congestion
  • Sneezing

Diagnosing the Problem

It may be difficult to tell whether you have an eye infection or allergic conjunctivitis. The eye-care team at Eye Care Specialists of Florida has state-of-the-art equipment to test your eyes and correctly diagnose the problem. The doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist to identify the culprits.

Contact Eye Care Specialists of Florida Today

Call our office today for your appointment at Eye Care Specialists of Florida in Kissimmee, FL today at (407) 483-0328. We are conveniently located at 1124 Cypress Glen Circle, Kissimmee, Florida.

Contact us to request an appointment today.

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Monday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed