At this time of year, proximity to allergens causes the body to overreact, causing itching, swelling and watery eyes.
With the arrival of dry weather, symptoms such as itching and red eyes tend to intensify. Environmental factors and the greater presence of pollutants make the ocular region more sensitive, favoring the emergence of allergic reactions that can compromise well-being on a daily basis.
Dr. Jaqueline Fernandes, ophthalmologist at H.Olhos, explains that “allergic conjunctivitis, also called ocular allergy, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball. It happens when the eye comes into contact with substances to which the person is sensitive.”
According to the doctor, the most common causes of eye allergies are dust, dust mites, pollen, mold, animal hair, smoke, pollution, perfumes, makeup and even some eye drops. “Proximity to these allergens causes the body to overreact and the eye becomes red, itchy, watery and swollen”, he explains.
Importance of not scratching your eyes
People with allergies or a family history, such as rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis or eye allergies, are more likely to have allergic conjunctivitis. However, even without a history, irritation ocular it can arise at any time if the immune system is exposed to enough allergens to cause excessive sensitivity. Therefore, it is very important not to scratch, as the act worsens the inflammation and can cause serious damage to the cornea.
“Rubbing your eyes increases the release of histamine, a substance produced by the body which acts as one of the main mediators of the immune response. In the case of eye allergies, it is the chemical messenger that warns the brain about the presence of an allergen by causing typical allergy symptoms”, explains the doctor.
In addition to making symptoms worse, rubbing your eyes can cause other problems. “Scratching the eye intensely can also cause detachment of the retina, a thin layer that covers the inside of the eyeball, and even deformation of the cornea, a transparent structure located in the front part of the eye”, warns the doctor.
How to manage eye allergy symptoms
According to the ophthalmologist, eye allergy symptoms may recur. “In most cases, allergic conjunctivitis is a recurrent condition, that is, the symptoms return whenever the person comes into contact with what causes the condition. allergy“, he warns.
Seeing a doctor is important to manage the condition. “Treatment depends on the intensity of the symptoms, but generally includes avoiding the causative agent, using cold compresses and lubricating or anti-allergy eye drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist. In some cases, specific eye drops may be necessary to control inflammation”, adds Dr. Jaqueline Fernandes.
Tips for preventing eye allergies in everyday life
Below, the doctor lists 5 tips for preventing eye allergies:
- Avoid scratching your eyes;
- Keep the house clean and ventilated;
- Reduce dust, carpets and stuffed animals;
- Wash bedding frequently;
- Avoid contact with smoke, strong perfumes and products that irritate the eyes.
Consult a doctor
The good news is that eye allergies are not contagious and do not pass from one person to another. It happens due to an individual reaction of the body. However, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other types of conjunctivitis, especially viral, it is important to undergo an ophthalmological evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. Without proper care, there is a risk that inflammation will persist and affect vision.
By Sig Eikmeier