Eye Allergies

The most common causes of eye allergies are seasonal allergies that contain irritants like pollen and mold spores. If you suffer from seasonal eye allergies or an allergic reaction to something, Rostislav Ryvkin, MD, and the experienced team at VistaSite Eye Care - Bronx Vista Optique in The Bronx, New York City, can provide relief. Dr. Ryvkin has more than 45 years of experience in diagnosing and treating eye allergies in patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment by phone or via the convenient online booking tool.

What are the causes and symptoms of eye allergies?

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, occur when your immune system has an adverse response to something that irritates your eye. Common eye irritants, or allergens, include smoke, dust, and pollen. You might also have an allergic reaction to makeup, perfumes, or the ingredients in eye drops that are meant to relieve your discomfort.

Pet dander and mold can also trigger eye allergy symptoms, like:

• Burning, itchy eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness around your eyes
• Scaling around your eyes
  

Sometimes an allergen affects just one eye, but other times, you experience the same symptoms in both eyes, depending on the severity of your allergic reaction.

How does an optometrist treat eye allergies?

Before Dr. Ryvkin treats your allergies, he determines the underlying causes. He conducts a thorough eye exam and looks for signs of eye allergies, like swollen blood vessels on the surface of your eye.

Depending on whether or not your allergies are seasonal or a reaction to a specific irritant you came in contact with, and the severity of your symptoms, he may recommend any of the following treatments:

• Oral medications like antihistamines and decongestants
• Nasal sprays
• Artificial teardrops 
• Corticosteroid eye drops
• Eye drops containing olopatadine hydrochloride 
• Avoiding known allergens
• Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes when you’re outside
  

If your allergies are severe or don’t respond well to eye drops and medications, you may need to get immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help your body become immune to the allergens that are causing your symptoms. 

How are eye allergies different from conjunctivitis (pink eye)?

Eye allergies are different from conjunctivitis even though both conditions have similar symptoms. Unlike eye allergies, pink eye is the result of allergies and other factors like:

• Chemicals
• Contact lenses
• Viruses
• Bacteria
  

Additionally, conjunctivitis is highly contagious between your eyes and other people’s. Eye allergies, however, are not contagious, but rather a reaction to an irritant. 

If you suffer from eye allergy symptoms each spring or think there are allergens in your environment that cause your eyes to feel itchy or watery, schedule an appointment for an eye exam with Dr. Ryvkin. Call the office or use the convenient online booking tool to get prompt relief from symptoms.