How to treat eye allergies?

The article was written by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thai Hung - Ophthalmologist, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital

An eye allergy is a common condition that occurs when the eyes experience an adverse immune response to a certain allergen. Allergens are common allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, etc. To fight allergens, certain cells inside the eye (called mast cells) release histamine and other substances to combat allergens. This reaction causes your eyes to become red, itchy, and watery. Unlike bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not spread from person to person.
Eye allergies can also be a side effect of some cosmetics, eye drops, food allergies,... Eye allergies can happen at any time of the year, especially in spring and summer. and autumn when the trees, grass and flowers are in full bloom.

Common symptoms of eye allergy such as itchy eyes, burning, watery eyes, red eyes, rust around the eyes, swollen eyelids ... This condition can occur in both eyes. In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by a runny nose, stuffy nose, or sneezing.

The best way to prevent eye allergies is to avoid allergens. However, this is not always possible, especially with seasonal allergies. You should find out what is causing your eye allergies to limit your exposure to allergens, if necessary, you can see an allergist to perform a skin test or blood test. , which helps identify allergens. regularly wear protective eyewear, good personal hygiene, limit rubbing eyes, be cautious when using chemicals and cosmetics.
When you have symptoms of eye allergy, you need to see a doctor immediately to be prescribed the appropriate medication, note that do not arbitrarily buy and use eye allergy medicine. There are many different medications available to relieve eye allergy symptoms. Antihistamines: Antihistamines relieve symptoms caused by airborne allergens, such as itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Vasoconstrictor: Has the effect of making blood vessels smaller, reducing swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes or nose. However, this drug only alleviates symptoms such as red eyes and stuffy nose, but does not treat the root cause of the disease.

NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to reduce inflammation or swelling, or to alleviate some of the other symptoms associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Artificial tears: Artificial tears can provide temporary relief of puffiness by washing allergens from the eyes. At the same time, the drug also helps to increase eye moisture, reduce dry eyes, and eye irritation. Immunotherapy: This is a method of creating immunity to the body by injecting small amounts of allergens in increasing doses over time, to help your body become immune to the allergens. . However, this is not a completely effective method because each time your body can be allergic to different substances. Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. and hospital treatment.