With summer in full swing, many individuals experience eye allergies on account of pollen and debris floating in the air. Due to the unwanted symptoms, it’s common for eye doctors to see patients hoping to find relief. If you have questions regarding your eye care routine and how it relates to allergies, here is a list of frequently asked questions to review before your next eye exam. 

Questions About Eye Allergies Answered 

What causes eye allergies?

Eye allergies can be caused by a variety of factors. Many individuals are sensitive to pollen, mold spores, dust, and pet dander particles that float through the air. Allergic reactions in your eyes can also be a result of chemicals in face products such as makeup or sunscreen getting rubbed into your eyes.

What symptoms should I be aware of?

The leading symptoms of an eye allergy include redness, itchiness, and watering eyes. Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction to airborne allergens, you could also experience dry eyes, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light, or a burning sensation. 

How Can Your Eye Doctor Help?

When you experience a combination of the symptoms noted above, it’s important to call your eye doctor for an exam to better understand the source of your allergic reaction. It the allergy is related to your existing eye care routine, your doctor can offer soft contact lenses to reduce symptoms or new glasses frames to provide relief. Your eye doctor can also prescribe drops or oral medication to help relieve your allergy symptoms when they hit. 

How can I reduce eye allergies?

Once you’ve identified your eye allergies, do your best to limit exposure. When the pollen count is high, for example, try and stay indoors. When dust is the culprit, commit to hiring a cleaning service or tidying your living spaces to minimize the risk. Embracing air purifiers and fresh air filters in your air conditioning unit can also help mediate the problem. Contact lenses can accumulate airborne allergens, so consider switching to glasses when your allergies flare up.

If you're a resident in Rochester, NY, and you’re looking for a dedicated eye doctor who can help you find allergy relief, the team at Jamison Eye Care can help. They treat an array of eye issues, including cataracts and glaucoma, and provide glasses and contact lenses to improve patients’ vision. The team also conducts thorough eye exams to help patients maintain their eye health. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 225-5883 or visit their website to browse their services.