Allergies

Eye allergies can cause red, itchy, and watery eyes, making going about your day-to-day activities uncomfortable. That is why our team at Heart of Texas Eye Care is here to provide you with the information you need to help prevent and manage allergy symptoms.

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Learn more about allergies

What are Allergies and How Do They Impact My Eyes?

Allergies occur when the body’s immune system identifies a foreign substance as harmful, even if it isn’t. Common allergens include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and eye irritants.

Even if you have never had allergies in the past, it is possible for the immune system to become sensitized to potential allergens over time and to overreact when the body is exposed to them. Allergic reactions occur when the body is exposed to these triggers resulting in the release of chemicals that cause the eyes to become red and itch. Allergies may also be hereditary, meaning if you have a family history of allergies, you are more likely to develop them.

Symptoms of eye allergies can include:

  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Swollen eyelids

How Can I Prevent Allergies?

There are several steps you can take to minimize or prevent allergy symptoms, especially during pollen season. One of the first steps to preventing allergy symptoms is understanding what allergens trigger symptoms and avoiding contact with them. 

Common potential triggers for eye allergies include:

  • Airborne allergens, such as pollen or mold
  • Cosmetics
  • Contact lenses 
  • Eye drops with preservatives
  • Dust
  • Pet dander
  • Perfume
  • Eye irritants

It can be difficult to avoid allergens altogether, but taking a few simple steps may help alleviate symptoms. 

Take Precautions When Outdoors and During High Pollen Counts

During high pollen counts, you can prevent seasonal allergy symptoms by keeping your windows closed and avoiding going outside to help limit your exposure to pollen and keep pollen from getting into your home. 

When going outdoors, you can wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to keep pollen from getting into your eyes and hair. You can also consider changing out of outdoor clothing when you return home and even showering.

Limit Pet Dander

You should avoid touching or rubbing your eyes and wash your hands after petting pets or other animals. Though it may be difficult, you should consider keeping your pets out of your bedroom, especially if pet dander is the primary source of your allergy symptoms. Giving your pets a weekly bath can also help keep symptoms minimal.

Keep Your Space Dust and Pollen Free 

Wash your bed sheets regularly with hot water, and consider using allergen covers for mattresses, pillowcases, and box springs. Vacuuming and dusting frequently will help limit your exposure to dust mites, as well as using air conditioning in your living space and car instead of windows and fans and keeping the AC unit clean. Lastly, try to keep humidity in your living space low and consider using a dehumidifier if necessary.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Eye Drops or Contact Lenses

Certain eye drops and contact lenses can sometimes cause eye allergy symptoms. When possible, you should opt to use preservative-free eye drops. If you are experiencing eye allergy symptoms and are a contact lens user or are currently using eye drops, talk to your doctor.

What are Allergies and How Do They Impact My Eyes?

Allergies occur when the body’s immune system identifies a foreign substance as harmful, even if it isn’t. Common allergens include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and eye irritants.

Even if you have never had allergies in the past, it is possible for the immune system to become sensitized to potential allergens over time and to overreact when the body is exposed to them. Allergic reactions occur when the body is exposed to these triggers resulting in the release of chemicals that cause the eyes to become red and itch. Allergies may also be hereditary, meaning if you have a family history of allergies, you are more likely to develop them.

Symptoms of eye allergies can include:

  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Swollen eyelids

How Can I Prevent Allergies?

There are several steps you can take to minimize or prevent allergy symptoms, especially during pollen season. One of the first steps to preventing allergy symptoms is understanding what allergens trigger symptoms and avoiding contact with them. 

Common potential triggers for eye allergies include:

  • Airborne allergens, such as pollen or mold
  • Cosmetics
  • Contact lenses 
  • Eye drops with preservatives
  • Dust
  • Pet dander
  • Perfume
  • Eye irritants

It can be difficult to avoid allergens altogether, but taking a few simple steps may help alleviate symptoms. 

Take Precautions When Outdoors and During High Pollen Counts

During high pollen counts, you can prevent seasonal allergy symptoms by keeping your windows closed and avoiding going outside to help limit your exposure to pollen and keep pollen from getting into your home. 

When going outdoors, you can wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to keep pollen from getting into your eyes and hair. You can also consider changing out of outdoor clothing when you return home and even showering.

Limit Pet Dander

You should avoid touching or rubbing your eyes and wash your hands after petting pets or other animals. Though it may be difficult, you should consider keeping your pets out of your bedroom, especially if pet dander is the primary source of your allergy symptoms. Giving your pets a weekly bath can also help keep symptoms minimal.

Keep Your Space Dust and Pollen Free 

Wash your bed sheets regularly with hot water, and consider using allergen covers for mattresses, pillowcases, and box springs. Vacuuming and dusting frequently will help limit your exposure to dust mites, as well as using air conditioning in your living space and car instead of windows and fans and keeping the AC unit clean. Lastly, try to keep humidity in your living space low and consider using a dehumidifier if necessary.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Eye Drops or Contact Lenses

Certain eye drops and contact lenses can sometimes cause eye allergy symptoms. When possible, you should opt to use preservative-free eye drops. If you are experiencing eye allergy symptoms and are a contact lens user or are currently using eye drops, talk to your doctor.

What are My Treatment Options for Allergies?

Though there is no cure for eye and seasonal allergies, treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms. Oral and topical antihistamines, as well as artificial tears, can provide some relief from eye irritation. Topical antihistamines such as eye drops can help with itchiness, redness, and burning caused by allergies. Oral antihistamines may also help relieve allergy symptoms such as eye itchiness.

For more severe cases of allergies, we can refer you to an allergy specialist. Your allergy specialist may recommend allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy) if eye drops and other medications do not help manage your symptoms.  With immunotherapy, your practitioner will administer a shot containing a small dose of an allergen, gradually increasing the dosage over the course of treatment. 

An alternative to allergy shots is Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), which utilizes a similar concept to allergy shots but in a tablet form. Oral corticosteroid medication and corticosteroid injections may also be an option for patients who have not found relief with other allergy treatments. 

What are My Treatment Options for Allergies?

Though there is no cure for eye and seasonal allergies, treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms. Oral and topical antihistamines, as well as artificial tears, can provide some relief from eye irritation. Topical antihistamines such as eye drops can help with itchiness, redness, and burning caused by allergies. Oral antihistamines may also help relieve allergy symptoms such as eye itchiness.

For more severe cases of allergies, we can refer you to an allergy specialist. Your allergy specialist may recommend allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy) if eye drops and other medications do not help manage your symptoms.  With immunotherapy, your practitioner will administer a shot containing a small dose of an allergen, gradually increasing the dosage over the course of treatment. 

An alternative to allergy shots is Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), which utilizes a similar concept to allergy shots but in a tablet form. Oral corticosteroid medication and corticosteroid injections may also be an option for patients who have not found relief with other allergy treatments. 

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Next Step

Would you like to learn more about allergies and take the first step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!

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Starts Here

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.

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Clearer Vision
Starts Here

View Our Financing Options

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.