Are your eyes itchy? Are they red? Let's learn about this eye allergy!

Do you sometimes wake up in the morning and your eyes feel red and itchy? Or do you suddenly start to water when you go to a dusty place or when you cuddle your pet cat or dog? This is actually a very common condition among us in Sri Lanka. We cannot dismiss this as normal, because it can make you uncomfortable all day long. So today, let's talk about eye allergies. To be precise, in medical terms, we call this 'allergic conjunctivitis '.

Why do we get eye allergies like this?

Simply put, this is a small misunderstanding of the immune system that protects our eyes. Think about it, the clear membrane in front of our eyes (the conjunctiva) is like the skin inside our nose. The structure of both is very similar. That's why the same things that cause allergies in the nose also cause allergies in our eyes.

When something in our environment, such as dust or pollen, actually harmless, gets into our eyes, our body's immune system thinks, "Oh, a big enemy has entered, and now we need to attack!" In response, the body releases chemicals like 'histamine'. This histamine is what makes our eyes red, itchy, watery, and swollen.

There are several main allergens :

• Pollen: Pollen that floats in the wind from trees, flowers, and grasses.
• Dust mites: Tiny, invisible creatures that live in our bedding, pillows, and carpets.
• Pet dander : Small pieces of skin shed from the bodies of pets such as dogs and cats.
• Mold: A type of fungus that grows in damp, dark places (e.g. bathrooms, walls).

These allergies can come in two main forms. One is 'seasonal allergies' . This means that they only occur at certain times of the year. For example, this condition can be worse when certain trees are in bloom, or when pollen is in the wind during dry weather. The other is 'perennial allergies' . This means that symptoms occur almost all year round. The cause is often dust, mold, or pets in the home.

What exactly are the symptoms?

The main and most obvious symptom of eye allergies is itching . Sometimes, no matter how much you scratch your eyes, they don't seem to itch. In addition to itching, there are several other symptoms. Let's see what they are.

When should you see a doctor?

If you know what triggers your allergies and can stay away from those things, the symptoms will naturally decrease.

However, if the symptoms are severe, if you have this discomfort almost every day, or if you can't figure out what's causing it, definitely see your doctor. Sometimes these symptoms can be signs of another eye infection or disease. Therefore, it's very important to get an accurate diagnosis.

If your doctor needs to, he or she may refer you to an ophthalmologist . When you visit your doctor, don't forget to ask these questions:

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your eyes with a special microscope called a slit lamp. He or she can look inside your eyeball and see if there are any signs of an allergic reaction.

Home care and medical treatments

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to control eye allergies .

Stay away from allergens.

• Keep your home clean: Reduce unnecessary items that collect dust. Sweep your home regularly and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
• Bed sheets and pillowcases: Wash these at least once a week in hot water. It's best to use allergen-proof covers that prevent dust mites from entering.
• Reduce carpet usage: Carpet is a haven for dust and dust mites. If possible, replace carpet with tile or titanium flooring.
• Keep windows closed: Keeping windows closed, especially during peak pollen times, can help reduce the amount of allergens coming into the house from outside.
• Pets: If you are allergic to animals, do not bring them into the bedroom. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.

Immediate remedies to relieve symptoms

• Cool Compress: Soak a clean cloth in ice water, wring it out well, and apply it to your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. This provides immediate relief from itching and inflammation.
• Artificial Tears: Use over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. These help wash away allergens from the eyes.

Medical treatment

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe various eye drops or pills.

• Antihistamine Eye Drops: These are applied directly to the eye, so they work quickly and reduce itching and redness.
• Mast Cell Stabilizer Eye Drops: These only prevent the allergic reaction from starting. It is best to use them before symptoms appear.
• Steroid Eye Drops: These should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. They are given to control symptoms for a short period of time in severe allergies. Long-term use can cause side effects such as increased eye pressure (glaucoma) and cataracts.
• Oral Antihistamines: These are useful if you have symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing along with your eye symptoms. However, some of these medications can cause drowsiness, so be careful if you are driving or operating machinery.

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