Do your eyes itch and water every spring when the flowers bloom? Or perhaps your eyes are red and puffy year round, and you aren’t quite sure why. In many cases, allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergies, are to blame. At the office of Omni Eye & Vision (Squamish) we’ll evaluate your symptoms and perform a comprehensive examination to accurately diagnose eye allergies and recommend an effective course of care. Our experienced team of eye care professionals will guide you ways to reduce exposure to allergens, and recommend eye drops or medications to help manage your symptoms, if indicated.
Eye allergies, like all allergic reactions, occurs when the immune system overreacts to the presence of a common environmental substance, thereby releasing histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Season allergic conjunctivitis is the most common type of eye allergy, and is caused by outdoor allergens like pollen, weeds and grass. If you have a seasonal eye allergy, it a good idea whenever possible to avoid situations that trigger your symptoms, like walking by a freshly mowed lawn. Also, it can help to wear glasses or sunglasses that protect your eyes from coming into contact with allergens. If your eye allergies occur year round, you may have perennial allergic conjunctivitis, which is typically caused by household allergens that are present daily, such as pet dander, dust, mold and smoke. Because eye allergies often exhibit symptoms that are similar to other eye conditions, our eye doctor will perform a comprehensive examination to rule out other causes. As part of your exam, we may also examine your eye with a specialized scope that checks for the presence of certain cells indicative that are indicative of an allergic reaction. Treating eye allergies depends on the type of allergy and its severity. In many cases, prescription eye drops and medications can alleviate your symptoms. In some causes immunotherapy shots may be recommended to manage allergic reactions.
At the office of Omni Eye & Vision (Squamish), we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.
