How to Find Relief from Common Types of Eye Allergies

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If home remedies are not relieving your eye allergy symptoms, it may be time for an eye exam. There could be an underlying cause affecting your eye health. Schedule an appointment with the eye doctors at Nationwide Vision. We'll assess your eyes and develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve you. Find your nearest Nationwide Vision Location today.

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6 Types of Eye Allergies

There are six common types of eye allergies you may be dealing with, especially if you experience symptoms often. If your symptoms persist after you've tried our at-home remedies, it might be time to see an eye doctor.

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) is an eye allergy during spring, summer, or fall. SAC symptoms are often triggered depending on the air's pollen type. The most common types of plant pollen that cause SAC symptoms are grass pollen and ragweed. Grass pollen season typically starts in April and ends in June, while ragweed season starts in late August and can last until early winter. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) symptoms can include itchiness, redness, burning sensations, increased tear production, dark circles, puffy eyes, and light sensitivity.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC) is similar to SAC, except it occurs year-round. Though PAC exhibits mild symptoms identical to SAC, the causes are different. PAC is triggered by allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and other household irritants. Due to the increased sensitivity to indoor environmental allergens, outdoor allergens contribute to the year-round response.

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis occurs when you experience irritation from using contact lenses. This condition happens when proteins from the tears in your eyes collect under the surface of the contact lens. Symptoms of contact allergic Conjunctivitis include discomfort while wearing contact lenses, itchiness, redness, and mucous discharge from the eyes.

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis typically has more severe symptoms than SAC or PAC. It most likely occurs year-round, but certain seasons may worsen the symptoms. Typically, this type of allergy is common in boys and young men, with 75% of patients also experiencing eczema or asthma. 

Symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis include itching, increased tear and mucous production, light sensitivity, and a feeling like something's stuck in your eye. In more severe cases, vernal keratoconjunctivitis can cause vision impairment if left untreated for too long.

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis typically occurs in older patients, especially men prone to allergic dermatitis. Like PAC, indoor and outdoor allergens can trigger this type of eye allergy. Like Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, this eye allergy has similar symptoms. It can cause scarring to the cornea if left untreated for too long. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis symptoms include severe itching, burning sensations, redness, and a significant increase in mucous production.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is a more severe form of Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis because patients wear contact lenses for extended periods. Like Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis, Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis occurs from protein deposits underneath the contact. Additionally, irritation can either be caused by the contact lens or due to the type of solution used to clean the lenses. Other allergens, especially chronic allergies, can also contribute to irritation.

The symptoms of this eye allergy most commonly affect the inside of the eyelid. Signs of the eyelid can include a rough feeling, redness, abnormal swelling of the skin around the eye, and the formation of bumps under the eyelid. Symptoms that affect the eyeball include redness, itchiness, excessive mucous production, and blurry vision. You may also experience the feeling of something stuck in your eye or that your contact is moving around.

At-Home Remedies for Allergies

Though types of eye allergies vary in their symptoms and causes, there are some at-home treatments you can try that should relieve the discomfort from most allergies.

Common Treatments for Allergies

First and foremost, you should reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Depending on the type of allergy you experience, one or both common irritants could contribute to your allergies. Avoiding spending too much time outdoors when possible and installing an air purifier indoors to reduce indoor allergens are common recommendations. A humidifier might relieve your eye irritation if you live in a drier environment.

Additionally, we recommend trying over-the-counter tear replacement eye drops if you are experiencing excessive dryness. Over-the-Counter decongestants or antihistamines can relieve eye allergies. In the case of Vernal, Atopic, or Giant Papillary allergies, taking a break from wearing your contacts can help reduce your symptoms. Prescription eyedrops are also a reliable relief from these specific allergy symptoms. If you try these home remedies and are still having difficulty finding relief, contact one of our eye care professionals to learn your treatment options.