TABLE OF CONTENTS

Relief Is In Sight

Allergy Season - The Months With Increased Allergens

Airborne Allergens - The Various Types

Seasonal Allergies - The Facts

Eye Allergies - Staying Healthy While Outdoors

Managing Eye Allergies In The Home

Allergic Conjunctivitis - Allergy Eye Information

Eye Allergy Symptoms and Indications

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment Options Available Today

Allergy Information and Visiting Your Doctor

Relief Is In Sight

Do your eyes itch?  Or water?  Are they red or swollen? You've got "Allergy Eyes."  Relief is in sight.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the new combination with two-way action.

 

Allergy Eyes have needs all of their own

Allergies are more than sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. Your eyes suffer, too. On this web site, learn more about eye allergies - their symptoms, causes, and how best to treat them.

What are allergy eyes?

Allergy eyes, or allergic conjunctivitis, is a medical condition affecting more than 7 out of 10 allergy patients. Allergic conjunctivitis is not a contagious condition, but it can cause a great deal of discomfort and aggravation to sufferers. Constant rubbing, which often accompanies untreated allergy eyes, can lead to more serious eye problems. Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays are not designed to specifically relieve allergy eyes. In fact, 73% of allergy patients who take oral or nasal allergy medication still suffer from itchy, red, watery, swollen eyes. By adding a prescription eye drop to your allergy treatment regimen, you can treat your eyes directly and far more effectively than with oral or nasal allergy medications alone.

Allergy Season - The Months With Increased Allergens

Allergy season commences as the weather begins to warm and winter comes to a close. While most people grow excited for the arrival of spring, many of those who suffer from allergies dread the change of season. As the eye allergy season arrives, these people fear the increased level of pollen, mould, and other allergens outdoors. Allergens, substances that cause allergic reactions, arrive at the beginning of spring and last to autumn. Although allergy season, in theory, lasts three of the four seasons, it is at its peak during spring.

 

Allergy Season and Plant Life

Certain plant life releases allergens at different times of the year. Those who suffer from allergies should therefore avoid certain plant life at particular times during the eye allergy season. Bear in mind that substances such as pollen travel in the wind and can drift hundreds of kilometers. Thus, those who avoid certain plant life may still have a reaction.

Allergy Season - Tips To Moderate Exposure

By following some basic guidelines during eye allergy season, you will be able to limit exposure to pollens, moulds, and other allergens. During allergy season it is beneficial to:

• Avoid going outdoors between the hours or 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. During these hours of allergy season, pollen counts are at their highest.
• If you need to be outdoors during the times when pollen counts are high, wear a filter mask in order to limit inhalation of the substances.
• Run an air conditioner to keep humidity levels low when indoors and at night. Ensure that the air conditioner's filter is changed on a regular basis, optimally every 30 days.
• When you return from the outdoors during allergy season, take a shower and change your clothes right away. This will ensure that the substances are removed from your skin, hair and clothing.
• While driving during allergy season, keep car windows closed and run the car's air conditioner.
• Avoid using outdoor clothing lines to dry clothes during allergy season. Instead, opt for an indoor clothes rack or use a tumbledryer.

By following the above guidelines, you may be able to avoid or reduce the intensity of allergic reactions during the height of the allergy season.

 

Allergy Season - Tips To Moderate Symptoms

Despite your best efforts to limit your exposure to allergens, allergy symptoms may still take hold of you during heavy allergy months. To help control your symptoms and enjoy the autumn and spring seasons, prescription allergy treatments, are available for rapid and effective relief from itchy, watery and red allergy eyes.

 

 

Airborne Allergens - The Various Types

Airborne allergens cause allergic conjunctivitis by entering the noses and mouths of those who are susceptible. Although there are many different types of airborne allergens, a small number of them are responsible for the majority of allergy eye cases. Many people that are susceptible to airborne allergens are sensitive to more than one substance.

While there is no clear proof of what causes certain people to be vulnerable to airborne allergens, many experts believe it is inherent in the genetic makeup of most sufferers. Many airborne allergens are only present during certain seasons. Therefore, those who are allergic to particular substances may not be affected all year round, but may suffer from seasonal allergies. However, certain airborne allergens are present throughout the year, causing those allergic to those particular allergens yearlong distress.

As noted, there are particular airborne allergens that are responsible for the majority of allergy cases. Following are some of the more prevalent airborne allergens found both within the home, as well as outside.

 

Airborne Allergens Found Within The Home

Numerous airborne allergens can be found within the comfort of your own home. One of the more common types of airborne allergens found inside the home is the dust mite. Dust mites are minute bugs that feed off our dead skin cells. They live in our sofas, bed sheets, rugs, and other such places. Dust mites can be controlled by frequently vacuuming the areas where they dwell. It is important to empty the vacuum bags after vacuuming since these tiny creatures can escape from the bags. In addition, it is a good idea to frequently change bed sheets and or consider the use of dust-proof covers for mattresses and box springs.

Household pets are another source of airborne allergens inside the home. A cat or dog is a source for allergens through their saliva, urine, dander, and fur. While the actual fur of a household pet is not an allergen in itself, the fur is capable of picking up other forms of airborne allergens. As with dust mites, it is a good idea to vacuum on a regular basis to minimize the amount of pet fur and dander.

 

Airborne Allergens Found Outside

The airborne allergens that are found outside of the home are considered harder to control. Unlike pet fur and dust mites, the allergens found outside cannot be vacuumed or controlled with special bed covers. The two main forms of airborne allergens found outside are pollen and mould, both of which grow on plant life. Pollen can be found on trees, weeds and grasses, while mould exists on leaves, grasses and hay. Each are carried by the wind and inhaled by sufferers. Unlike home-based allergens, many airborne allergens found outside are seasonal, affecting allergy sufferers only certain months of the year. Mould and pollen seasons are at their height from spring to late autumn.

 

Seasonal Allergies - The Facts

Seasonal allergies impact those who are susceptible only during certain months of the year. Depending on a person's allergy sensitivity, he or she may start feeling symptoms in September that could last through to March. During the spring months, tree pollen is the main cause for allergic reactions. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies most commonly react to grass pollen during the summer months. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies typically do not suffer from allergic reactions during winter.

 

 

 

 

Seasonal Allergies - How They Differ From Perennial Allergies

Unlike perennial, or year round allergies, seasonal allergies are caused only by plant life that releases substances such as pollen into the air during certain months of the year. Allergens found inside the home, such as dust mites, animal hair, and mould are the chief causes for year round, or perennial allergies. Since allergic people are exposed to these substances on a daily basis, their condition lasts all year, not just certain months. Unlike seasonal allergies, vacuuming, cleaning, and using protective covers for upholstery and bedding can remove many of the allergens found within the home. Seasonal allergies can only be controlled, not avoided or removed.

Although seasonal allergies only impact those susceptible for certain months of the year, the degree to which people suffer from seasonal allergies is typically greater. In other words, those who have perennial allergy symptoms generally exhibit milder symptoms than those who deal with seasonal allergies.

Some unfortunate people suffer from both seasonal allergies as well as perennial allergies. Characteristically, these people exhibit intense symptoms during the spring, summer and autumn months. The symptoms of both seasonal allergies and perennial allergies are basically the same. With regards to vision and the eyes, both types cause the person to have itchy, red, watery and often very sore eyes.

 

Seasonal Allergies - What To Avoid

Those who suffer from seasonal allergies should attempt to avoid the following allergens during the spring, summer, and autumn months:

• Trees – Acacia, Poplars, Oaks, Willows, Planes and, to a lesser degree, Jacaranda, Pine and Wattle
• Grasses  - Kikuyu, Bermuda, Wild oat, Perennial Rye, Annual meadow, Cock’s foot and the Kweek species
• Weeds – Pigweed and Plantain weeds
• Flowers – Cosmos, Dahlia, Daisy and Chrysanthemum
• Molds - alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium, epicoccum and penicillium

By avoiding the above types of plant life during the spring, summer and autumn seasons, one can limit the severity of their allergy symptoms.

However, if one is outdoors at all during the allergy season, avoidance of pollen is often impossible or impractical. You may wish to speak to your doctor about prescription allergy eye treatments, which can provide immediate and long-lasting relief from allergy eyes and protect against the onset of allergy eye symptoms.

 

 

Eye Allergies - Staying Healthy While Outdoors

Many of the techniques one might use to fight off eye allergies within the home do not apply when battling eye allergies outdoors. Unlike the indoor approach, one cannot vacuum or clean allergens away as you would in the home. The best method for preventing eye allergies from developing whilst outside, is to simply avoid the substances that cause allergic reactions. By staying clear of allergens and their numerous sources, one is much more likely to prevent eye allergies from developing.

 

Causes For Eye Allergic Reactions While Outside

While indoors, one who suffers from eye allergies may be avoiding allergens such as dust mites, household pets and, to a certain extent, mould. However, outside there are several distinct allergens that have the ability to provoke severe eye allergy reactions. Pollen and mould are the two main causes of the grief experienced outdoors for those who suffer from eye allergies. These allergens are produced from numerous types of trees, grasses, flowers, weeds and hay. Following are some guidelines for avoiding these substances and controlling eye allergies:

 

·         If possible, stay inside between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when pollen counts are at their highest.

• If mould has the greatest impact on your eye allergies, try and stay inside during the afternoon. The mould spores count peaks during the afternoon hours.
• Check the weather forecast if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time. Stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, and windy days. At these times pollen counts are typically the highest.
• When cutting the grass or working in the yard, wear a special allergy mask. It helps prevent eye allergies from becoming irritated.
• When outside, avoid going near freshly cut grass if possible.
• Upon returning indoors, take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes to remove all allergens. Do not lay clothing that you wore outdoors on beds or other furniture.
• While driving, keep car windows closed and run the air conditioner.
• Do not use outdoor clothing lines for clothes drying during the allergy season.

It is important to keep in mind that many allergens travel in the wind. Even by staying clear of the various sources such as certain trees and fresh cut grass, you still may be exposed to allergens. The above techniques serve as a guide to helping control eye allergies. Above and beyond these methods, you should speak to your doctor regarding eye allergy treatments. Prescription eye drops can help you manage eye allergy symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions.

 

Managing Eye Allergies In The Home

Those who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis understand how painful the condition can be. Even after identifying the causes, managing eye allergies can still be a difficult task. Many of the causes, also known as allergens, are very hard to avoid and impossible to eliminate. That is what makes managing eye allergies so problematic.

 

Managing Eye Allergies - Getting Started

In order to begin controlling and managing eye allergies, one must understand what is actually causing the pain. Often, a person who is susceptible to allergens is able to identify the cause without professional help. For instance, if someone recognizes that his or her eyes become puffy and itchy when they are in the presence of a cat, it is likely that pet fur is one of their allergens. However, for some, managing eye allergies requires assistance from a doctor or specialist, such as an allergist, in order to pinpoint the substances to which the person is susceptible. Once it is determined which substances cause one's allergic reactions, managing eye allergies can then commence.

 

Managing Eye Allergies Inside Your Home

Managing eye allergies in the home requires a different approach to managing eye allergies outdoors. Allergens that can be found within the home include dust mites, mold, and household pets. Dust mites are tiny bugs that feed off of human skin and live in our rugs, bed sheets, curtains and upholstery. Household pets can be allergens for a number of reasons. Their saliva, urine and dander can each cause a susceptible person to have an allergic reaction. Furthermore, their fur is capable of picking up other substances that cause reactions, such as pollen. Finally, mould forms in areas of the home that are wet or damp, which can lead to an allergic reaction.

Following are some tips for managing eye allergies within the home:

• Vacuum one-two times per week. If you own a pet, vacuum more often. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag after use to ensure that dust mites do not escape. If possible, have a non-susceptible person vacuum; otherwise, wear a mask when vacuuming to avoid inhalation of the substances.
• Clean and disinfect windowsills, frames, under sinks and around the corners of the bathroom. These are areas where mould is likely to form.
• If your rug/carpet becomes wet, ensure that is dried quickly. If the rug/carpet remains wet for longer than a day, it is important to have it either professionally cleaned or replaced.
• Space out cleaning activities over a period of time. Excessive exposure at one time, to allergens to which you are susceptible, can worsen the condition.

Above all, keep in mind that managing eye allergies is an ongoing process. By vacuuming or changing the sheets once you will not remove allergens forever. By creating and following a cleaning routine, you are much more likely to be successful at controlling and managing eye allergies. You may also wish to consult your doctor, eye specialist or pharmacist for treatment information to protect against the occurrence of allergy eye symptoms. Prescription eye drops can help.

 

Allergic Conjunctivitis - Allergy Eye Information

Allergy eyes or allergic conjunctivitis is the irritation of the conjunctiva, or covering of the eyeball, as a reaction to an allergic substance to which one is sensitive. Allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious, causes one's eyes to become watery, red, swollen, itchy and often painful. This condition, which is also known as allergy eyes, may either immediately impact a person, or affect them after a period of time.

There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis affects people during specific seasons of the year while perennial allergic conjunctivitis impacts people throughout the year. Allergic conjunctivitis can cause much discomfort due to the symptoms listed above. In addition, untreated allergic conjunctivitis may cause someone to frequently rub his/her eyes, which could lead to permanent eye damage.

 

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis

As noted, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. A person develops the condition when exposed to an allergic or sensitive substance, also known as an allergen. Trees, grass, weeds and flowers release the allergen pollen into the air. During the spring and autumn months, pollen levels are at their highest. The allergen mould is also released through the air, from substances such as leaves, grass and hay. It can also develop in damp atmospheres within the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

A dog or cat's dander, or skin flakes, as well as its saliva and urine can be powerful allergens. Although the actual hair of a pet is not considered a powerful allergen itself, the pet's hair or fur can collect mold, pollen and dust.

Dust mites, tiny bugs that are related to spiders and ticks, also cause allergic conjunctivitis. Cleanliness and moisture levels, among other factors, have an impact on the amount of dust mites that may be found in your home.

Pollution is commonly associated with allergic conjunctivitis. While it comes in many forms, air pollution, such as the type released from cars and factories, is commonly one of the more powerful types of contamination linked to allergic conjunctivitis. Be sure to read more about allergic conjunctivitis causes.

 

Allergic Conjunctivitis - Preventing The Condition

In order to prevent allergic conjunctivitis, one should attempt to identify which allergens cause the symptoms. Once the specific types are pinpointed, one should then attempt to avoid them by taking the necessary precautions. Staying indoors when mould and pollen levels are high, vacuuming the house to lift pet hair, pet dander and dust mites are some examples of actions one can take to avoid or minimize allergic conjunctivitis reactions. If you find that these techniques are insufficient in preventing or combating allergic conjunctivitis, it may be necessary to consider medical treatments to relieve your itchy, red, watery eyes.

Eye Allergy Symptoms and Indications

Millions of people worldwide suffer from eye allergies, yet the condition is often not properly identified or treated. This condition is commonly overlooked because people are unaware of the various eye allergy symptoms. It is important to identify and treat allergic eye symptoms, as they can be very painful. Furthermore, eye allergies can lead to permanent eye damage due to excessive scratching or rubbing. Thus, the failure to identify the eye condition, allergy eyes, could have a permanent affect on your vision. This information identifies many eye allergy symptoms with the intent of providing information for those who suffer from eye problems.

 

Eye Allergy Symptoms – The Main Indications

While there are several eye allergy symptoms, some of the warning signs are more prevalent than others. The most common eye allergy symptoms include itching, stinging and burning of the eyes. Other common eye allergy symptoms include redness and tearing of the eyes. As noted, these are the most common indications experienced by those who suffer from the condition. These eye allergy symptoms can emerge alone, or paired with others.

 

Eye Allergy Symptoms – Other Signals

Above and beyond the eye allergy symptoms mentioned above, there are other telltale signs to indicate that someone may be suffering from allergy eyes. These eye allergy symptoms include:

• Blurred, hazy, or unclear vision
• A scratchy feeling in the eye
• Swelling of the eyeball
• Increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia
• The sensation that something is in the eye
• Swelling or puffing of the inner eyelids
• Redness of the inner eyelids
• Ocular pain.

Bear in mind that like the main eye allergy symptoms, the above warning signs may appear unaccompanied by, or coupled with, other indicators. Depending on the intensity of the eye allergy symptoms, you may want to consult your doctor, eye specialist or pharmacist for treatment information. There are prescription treatments available to help you manage your symptoms and prevent the onset of allergic reactions.

 

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis

For those who suffer from allergy eyes, it is extremely important to identify the causes of allergic conjunctivitis. A person has a considerably better chance of controlling the condition and avoiding its unpleasant side effects once he or she is aware of the causes of allergic conjunctivitis.

 

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis - Allergens

Allergens are the most common cause of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergens are triggers or instigators of allergic reactions. Allergy eyes could be caused by one or several allergens. Thus many people may have to avoid more than one specific allergen in order to prevent allergy eyes. Although there are a large number of allergens, there are certain types that occur more prevalently with the condition than others.

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis – Allergen Types

Allergens are one of the primary causes of allergic conjunctivitis. There are a number of different types. Below are some of the more common kinds:

Pollen – Pollen is released by trees, weeds, and grasses and is propelled by the wind. Pollen affects those with allergic conjunctivitis by entering the throats and noses of those who are sensitive to the substance. Pollen levels are at the highest during the spring and autumn months. Pollen is considered one of the hardest causes of allergic conjunctivitis to control. Some common types of pollen include Acacia, Poplars, Oaks, Willows.

 

Mould – Another main cause of allergic conjunctivitis is mould. When inhaled, miniscule fungal spores can instigate allergy eyes. Mould usually impacts those who are susceptible between spring and late autumn. Cold temperatures diminish the mould spores count, yet they are still present after frost begins. Mould spores are found in leaves, hay, grasses and damp areas.

 

Pets – The dander, saliva, urine and hair from household pets are other major causes of allergic conjunctivitis. Dander is tiny scales shed by cats and dogs. Although it is commonly thought that the actual hairs of pets are the causes of allergic conjunctivitis, this belief is inaccurate. The fur of a pet itself is not one of the causes of allergic conjunctivitis, but the fur can collect dander, mould, pollen and dust, each of which causes the condition.

 

Dust Mites – Dust mites are minute bugs that are one of the fundamental causes of allergic conjunctivitis. Dust mites can be found on the sofas, curtains, bed sheets and other such places within the home. By frequently vacuuming and washing bed sheets one can reduce the number of dust mites in the home.

 

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis - Other Allergens

Beyond the causes of allergic conjunctivitis mentioned above, there are several other allergens that can cause the condition. These include:

• Air pollution
• Cosmetics
• Cigarette smoke
• Chemicals found in certain paints, carpeting, etc.

As you can see, there are several unique man-made and natural causes of allergic conjunctivitis. By avoiding or minimizing contact with these substances, you can limit the degree of your allergic reactions.

However, avoiding all the allergens one is susceptible to is either impossible or impractical. In such cases, there are prescription medical treatments available to help you manage your eye allergy symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment Options Available Today

Allergic conjunctivitis is the irritation of the conjunctiva (eyeball covering) as a reaction to a sensitive or allergic substance. The condition, also known as allergy eyes, causes one's eyes to become red, swollen and itchy, and is often painful. Untreated allergy eyes may cause someone to frequently rub their eyes, which could lead to permanent damage.

 

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment – The Optimal Therapy

The optimal allergic conjunctivitis treatment involves complete avoidance of the allergens that trigger allergic reactions. In some cases, depending on the substances a person is susceptible to, this can be achieved. For instance, if someone were allergic only to cat hair and dander, allergic conjunctivitis treatment would simply require the avoidance of cats.

However, this is typically not the case. The majority of people that suffer from allergy eyes are susceptible to many substances which they have little or no control over. For example, those who suffer from seasonal allergies are often vulnerable to pollen and mould. These two allergens are found throughout the environment and cannot be eliminated. Therefore, the optimal allergic conjunctivitis treatment – allergen avoidance – is not sensible or realistic. Thus, alternative allergic conjunctivitis treatment options need to be considered.

 

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment – Other Options

Since the optimal allergic conjunctivitis treatment is generally not feasible, other solutions must be considered. Many doctors suggest the use of cold compresses, ointments, or artificial tears as a temporary allergic conjunctivitis treatment to wash away allergens within the eye. As noted however, this is only a temporary solution that provides short-term relief.

For other situations, an over-the-counter topical ocular decongestant, or vasoconstrictor is recommended as allergic conjunctivitis treatment. Over time, however, the continued use of these products can make eyes redder. Therefore, many doctors and eye specialists recommend the use of prescription eye drop medication as an allergic conjunctivitis treatment.

Many people believe that their systemic allergy medication can provide total relief from all their allergy symptoms, including total relief from allergy eyes, but many times the eyes need something more. Prescription eye drops rely not on steroids or systemic medications, but on a combination of a mast-cell stabilizer, which combats allergens and an antihistamine that is applied directly to the eye to provide immediate and effective eye allergy relief for the sufferer.

 

Speak To Your Doctor about Treatment Options

As you can see, there are a number of allergic conjunctivitis treatment options available today. If you struggle with allergy eyes, it is recommended you speak with your physician to discuss which allergic conjunctivitis treatment option is right for you. While speaking with your doctor, eye specialist or pharmacist, it is important to find out the specifics of each allergic conjunctivitis treatment alternative, including their unique side effects and benefits. Together, you will be able to select an allergic conjunctivitis treatment option that will help you control your allergies.

 

Allergy Information – Who To Trust

As we progress further into the information age, it is clear that allergy information is readily available across the World Wide Web. Although there are thousands of resources that provide allergy information at the touch of a key, keep in mind that not all resources are reliable. There are no rules or regulations that restrict what information one can post on many Web sites. Thus, it is important to look for sources that you know and trust when obtaining allergy information. By limiting your choices to the foremost companies and brands, you are certain to receive dependable allergy information. Always be sure to discuss information that you learn with your doctor, to be sure that you are following his/her recommended path in dealing with your allergies.

 

Allergy Information – What To Look For

After you have decided which sources are most reliable for eye allergy information, you may begin to wonder what type of information to actually look for. It is a good idea to find an overview or summary of the allergy eye condition. A reputable source for allergy information will embrace what the condition is, how it affects you, what causes it and how it is controlled.

 

Furthermore, it is a good idea to look for eye allergy information that deals with the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Compare the symptoms mentioned by these resources with your own to determine if they match. In addition, look for allergy information resources that point out the various allergens that cause allergic conjunctivitis. Evaluate these allergens to determine if they potentially exist either within your home or surroundings. Lastly, it is a good idea when looking for allergy information to research the various treatment options. By considering the alternatives, you will have a better understanding of what treatment options are available today.

 

Allergy Information – Putting It All Together

After reviewing multiple dependable resources, you should have a solid amount of useful allergy information. By studying this information, you are more likely to understand your doctor during your visit. Furthermore, it may help you develop important questions that you would like to ask your doctor regarding the condition or treatment.