Allergies Specialist
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Hecker Eye Care Associates
Ophthalmologists located in Greensboro, NC
Burning, watering, itching eyes can stop you in your tracks. Residents of the Greensboro area turn to the eye care providers and the caring staff at Hecker Eye Care Associates to get relief from eye allergies. Don’t let eye allergies slow you down. Call the office to make an appointment or book your visit with the online scheduling tool.
Allergies Q & A
What are the symptoms of eye allergies?
When one or both of your eyes react to an allergen, the conjunctiva (fine layer of tissue surrounding your eye) becomes inflamed, swollen, and watery. This is a condition called allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious.
At the first encounter with an allergen, your immune system overreacts and sets off a surge of symptoms, such as:
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
- Watering
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Swelling
- Blurry vision
- Discomfort
What triggers eye allergies?
Eye allergies are triggered by anything that your body senses as an allergen, but vary from person to person. Common eye allergy triggers are:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Mold spores
- Smoke
- Food
- Perfume or air fresheners
Allergy triggers are found inside and outside. People with seasonal allergies have more symptoms when pollen counts are high and flowers are in full bloom.
If indoor allergies trigger your symptoms, you may notice they’re worse when you’re sweeping, vacuuming, or dusting around your house.
How are eye allergies treated?
Depending on the nature and severity of your eye allergy, the primary strategy is to avoid known triggers. Other helpful treatment methods include:
- Eye drops - over-the-counter and prescription
- Oral antihistamines
- Nasal sprays
It’s difficult to fully prevent seasonal eye allergies, but there are some measures you can take to treat your symptoms.
Try taking over-the-counter allergy medications, staying indoors when the pollen is high, switching to hypoallergenic bedding, and using the air conditioner instead of opening windows.
When over-the-counter options aren’t enough to stop your eye allergies, the caring team of experts at Hecker Eye Care Associates may prescribe stronger drops.
Who is at risk for developing eye allergies?
If you already have other types of allergies, you’re far more likely to develop eye allergies, too.
People who live where pollen counts are high in spring are more prone to developing recurring allergic conjunctivitis.
To make an appointment for your allergies at Hecker Eye Care Associates, call the office or use the online scheduler.
