More than 100 million people in the U.S. experience allergies each year. For many people, allergies can dry out the eyes, leading to redness and excessive watering—often making you feel like you have something stuck in your eyes. Let’s take a look at what can cause dry eyes and what you can do to minimize the symptom.
What Allergens Trigger Dry Eyes?
When allergies cause inflammation in your eyes, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, environmental irritants are usually to blame. These may include but are not limited to:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Mold
If you’re unsure which allergen is causing your symptoms, contact Carolina Pines ENT for an allergy test.
How Can I Manage Dry Eye?
In many cases, dry eye is fairly mild and will go away with home management or medication. A few ways you can manage dry eye include:
- Avoid contact with irritants. If you know what’s causing your allergic reaction, do your best to avoid the substance. For example, if you’re allergic to dust, give your home a weekly clean. If you’re allergic to pollen, check the pollen count before heading to Memorial Park or other outdoor areas.
- Use a cold compress. A cold compress can help calm inflammation in your eyes. Try storing an ice pack in the freezer so it’s always ready when you need it.
- Keep contacts clean. Changing your contacts daily and keeping the storage case clean can help avoid irritation from allergens sitting on the lenses.
- Wash your face. If you spend a day in the park or find your eyes irritated after visiting a friend with a cat, wash your face when you get home to rinse off any allergens sitting on your skin.
- Try allergy eye drops. If your allergist recommends them, allergy eye drops can hydrate the eyes and minimize inflammation.
- Take allergy medication. Allergy medications like antihistamines provide short-term relief for allergy symptoms, including dry eye.
If dry eye or other allergy symptoms have become a constant presence in your life, contact Carolina Pines ENT today to find a treatment that works for you.