Do you experience unexplained watery eyes? It could be caused by an eye allergy that is provoking an adverse immune response from your body. Often referred to as allergic conjunctivitis, this response can cause the common symptom of eye tearing if your eyes are exposed to everyday allergens like dust, pollen, or smoke.
Common Symptoms of Eye Allergies
It is common for some people to experience seasonal allergies or year-round allergies like a dust allergy. However, allergies can pop up at any time, and they could cause eye symptoms in addition to eye tearing like:
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Burning eyes
- Pink or red eyes
- Puffy or swollen eyelids
- Crusting of eyelids when you wake up
- Scaling around your eyes
You could have one or both eyes affected by an allergy. It is also be possible that you may experience other allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose, runny nose, or sneezing.
How Are Eye Allergies Treated?
Eye allergy symptoms can often be treated with over-the-counter allergy medications or eye drops. Putting a clean, cool, and moist washcloth over your affected eye(s) can give you temporary relief from eye allergy symptoms.
If you have eye allergies, it is important not to rub your eyes because you could further irritate your eyes or cause eye damage, especially if you are wearing contact lenses. You could also introduce germs into your irritated eyes and cause infection.
Over-the-counter medications and eye drops may not be enough to treat your eye allergy symptoms. Valley Eyecare can help! Call us at (602) 955-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors.
