Ocular Allergies

WHAT ARE ALLERGIES?

An allergy is an abnormal reaction or increased sensitivity to certain substances or 'allergens.' The allergic person produces symptoms when they come into contact with these substances, which do not affect other people. Allergens might be eaten, inhaled, injected as with an insect sting - or touched by the skin.

WHAT IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION?

Our immune systems are designed to defend us against foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and toxins. Allergic people have immune systems that are 'too good.' Their bodies wrongly believe certain substances - like pollen or mold - are threats.

When allergic people come into contact with allergens, their bodies make large numbers of antibodies (disease fighting proteins) that bind to cells in the tissue and blood and also make h3 chemicals. It is these chemicals - as they move through the body - that cause the symptoms of allergy.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ALLERGIES?

Most of the time, allergic reactions are to pollen grains, dust, molds and foods. They can also happen from contact with animal proteins such as those found on hair, fur or dander; drugs, such as penicillin; and topical agents, such as the oils on poison ivy leaves.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms include watery, itchy eyes, as well as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and a scratchy throat. The particular symptoms a person has depends on where in the body the antibodies are bound and the chemicals are released.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEASON AND PERENNIAL ALLERGIES?

Seasonal allergens are active only during certain times of the year. Pollens are most common in the spring, grasses in the summer and ragweed in the fall.

Perennial allergens are active all year. These allergens include house dust, animal dander, mold spores, foods, medicines, and insect bites and stings.

WHAT ARE OCULAR ALLERGIES?

The eyes react when they come in contact with allergens.

An allergic reaction can affect one or both eyes. It causes redness and itching under the eyelid, watering of the eye and sensitivity to light. When waking in the morning, eyelids might feel like they are glued shut. Ocular allergy is most often uncomfortable and unattractive. In its most serious form, ocular allergy can cause damage to the eye.

Ocular allergy is quite a common condition. The strength of the allergic reaction, the length of time it lasts, and the number of times it happens are different for each person. Some people might find they have a h3 reaction to an allergen at one time, and a weaker reaction to the same allergen at another time.

HOW ARE OCULAR ALLERGIES TREATED?

Today, there are a number of medications that quickly and effectively treat ocular allergy. Most often, treatment involves first identifying the allergens, then avoiding the allergens and using medications to lessen symptoms or prevent future allergic reactions.