|
Just like different areas of the body may react to particular allergens,  so do the eyes. Once eyes perceive a real threat, they will try their best in order to defend against the threat. Eye allergies may be caused by outdoor and indoor allergens and once the symptoms appear, they need to be treated as soon as possible in order to avoid more severe reactions.For instance, if your eyes are swollen and red, you should place a clean and wet sterile cloth right over them in order to get relief from these symptoms. Also, irritation and swelling may be reduced in the case of minor eye allergies. Eye drops may provide the necessary relief as well – they are particularly useful when dealing with redness. However, you must have your eye adverse reactions diagnosed by your health care provider in order to make sure that an allergy is what causes them and not another form of eye related problem. Once you know which allergen cause your eye allergy, you will find it easier to avoid it. There are several conditions that may often be confused with an eye allergy. For instance, dry eyes is a condition characterized by a reduced tear production and it may be confused with a common eye allergy. Dry eyes come with the sensation of having something in your eyes, grittiness and burning. This condition will be worsened once you start using b-blocker medications, sedatives or oral antihistamines - the medicines used in the case of real allergies. Another condition that is often mistaken for an eye allergy is the tear duct obstruction. This condition occurs when a blockage forms in your tear duct passage. If you are suffering from this condition, you will experience watery eyes that do not itch or burn as it is the case with an eye allergy. Conjunctivitis due to infection may occur due to viruses or bacteria – in this case, eyes become bright red and the eye lids tend to stick together after longer periods of eyes being closed . Also, discolored mucous is seen in the eyes. A viral conjunctivitis will come with a slight redness and even a glassy appearance in your eyes.Regardless of the condition, you will have to see your health care provider as soon as possible. The only way to determine whether you are suffering from an eye allergy or not is by paying a visit to your ophthalmologist. He is the one who can check for all the characteristic signs that are usually associated with a real eye allergy. Specialized testing involves using specialized microscopes that are called stilt lamps. When your eyes are examined with such a stilt lamp, your ophthalmologist will be looking for conjunctival or eyelid swelling and dilated blood vessels. All these three symptoms are characteristic for an eye allergy that affects ocular areas and surround tissues.
Photo - Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/featheredtar/3074700863/
|