Eye allergies are allergies that cause symptoms in the eyes rather than the nose or throat. At Progressive Eyecare & Eyewear, serving Indianapolis and Fishers, IN, our eye doctor diagnoses and treats eye allergies to alleviate pain and irritation.
Common Eye Irritants
Irritated eyes have several causes. A person's everyday environment contains many things that come into contact with our eyes.
- Cigarette smoke
- Dry air
- Dust
- Pollution
- Cosmetics
- Mold
- Pollen
- Pet hair and dander
If these contagions encounter the eyes too much, it can cause the eyes to be swollen, red, itchy, watery, or even painful.
Outdoor activities also play a role. Fireplace smoke, forest or wildfire smoke, house fires, and campfires can cause allergic reactions.
Eyes can become overly strained from reading too much or reading with the wrong prescription lenses or the wrong magnification glasses.
Being aware of these irritants is the first step to understanding what things in your environment contribute to eye allergies or irritation. An eye exam with our eye doctor can rule out any more severe issues.
Eye Allergies Caused by Microorganisms
Regular eye allergies can start with common irritants and then turn into something that needs treatment from our optometrist. Viruses and bacteria are to blame. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a common condition that can be contagious. This eye condition can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.
All types of conjunctivitis cause the eyes to swell, redden, and produce discharge. Sometimes the symptoms can be painful.
- Viral: This kind is extremely contagious. Along with pain in the eyes, you might be experiencing a slightly upset stomach, headaches, and have eye discharge that coats the eyes and may keep the eyelids shut while sleeping.
- Bacterial: This is similar to viral conjunctivitis, except it comes with a white puss instead of a transparent liquid or sticky coating.
- Allergic: This type can be irritating and painful, but isn't contagious. It can cause a red, itchy, and sometimes dry eye. The liquid coming from the eye is mostly clear.
When you come to our offices, our optometrist will perform an eye exam to see what's causing your eye allergies and recommend the proper treatment. This may include eye drops or oral medications.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist for Eye Allergy Relief
If you're experiencing eye irritations that won't go away on their own, we can help. At Progressive Eyecare & Eyewear in Indianapolis and Fishers, IN, our eye doctor will diagnose your eye allergies and provide treatment. We will also determine what is irritating your eyes and tell you how to avoid allergens. Call us today to schedule an appointment.