Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Eye Allergies

Dealing With Eye Allergies

Allergies in general can be incredibly frustrating and bothersome, but eye allergies in particular can cause serious problems. Eye allergies are typically associated with other allergic conditions such as hay fever and atopic eczema. The causes of these allergies are most similar to those of allergic asthma, and can get to be quite serious.

Allergic Eye Conditions

There are actually a few different conditions of eye allergies. One of the most common conditions here is known as allergic conjunctivitis which is usually seasonal and associated with hay fever. There are certain things that a person can do in order to avoid getting this particular condition of eye allergies, and in particular it is important to try to identify and avoid the allergens that are causing the symptoms.

In terms of treatment there are a few effective options here. For one there are several different types of eye drops that are available and which are usually very successful at treating the symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis. It is also often helpful if the person puts a cold washcloth over their eyes for relief or to use lubricating eye drops.

Conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis is another of the most common eye allergies conditions, and this condition is a well known cause of severe eye changes and particularly so in young adults. This is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid, and can be incredibly painful never mind frustrating.

The inflammation here results in causing small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent which gives it the pink look. There are certain things that a person can do in order to find relief from this eye allergies condition including using antibiotic eye drops. The viral forms of conjunctivitis cannot be treated with eye drops or ointments, but rather the sufferer will have to use an over the counter remedy of some sort in order to relieve the symptoms.

The best way for a person to avoid all allergic reactions, of the eyes and other, is to stay as clean as possible and more than anything this means washing the hands on a regular basis. Not touching the eyes with the hands, washing hands frequently, changing pillowcases often, discarding eye cosmetics after a few months, and not using anyone else’s cosmetics or personal eye care items – all of these are great tips to preventing allergies. Also keep in mind that newborns are particularly susceptible to allergic reactions and so the parent needs to keep an eye out for these at all times.

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