How to treat eye allergies?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thai Hung - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International Hospital.

Eye allergy is a fairly common eye disease, especially in the hot and humid climate in our country. The right treatment will help you improve the allergy in your eyes.

Allergies to the skin around the eyes, conjunctiva, also known as blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the eyes react to irritants. These substances are called allergens, and when the body reacts to them, it causes an allergic reaction.
The immune system protects the body against harmful external factors such as viruses and bacteria, helping the body not to get sick.
However, when the immune system overreacts, it causes immune reactions to substances it considers dangerous in people with eye allergies. The immune system produces chemicals that fight the allergen, even though these substances are harmless.
Allergic reactions lead to many unpleasant symptoms such as itchy eyes, red and watery eyes, no discharge, eyelid edema, conjunctival edema. In some people, eye allergies can also be linked to eczema and asthma.

The key to the treatment of eye allergies is to avoid or limit exposure to the allergen, and the patient must often know what to avoid. If necessary, an allergist can perform skin tests or blood tests to help identify specific allergens.
2.1 Avoiding allergens If pollen is an allergen for you, avoid going outside as much as possible when pollen counts are highest (usually between morning and evening) and when the wind is blowing pollen around around. When you're outdoors, sunglasses or eyeglasses can help prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.
To help reduce your exposure to pollen and other irritants while you're inside, close your doors and use air conditioning - both in your car and home. Do not use exhaust fans, as they draw pollen and other allergens inside. Keep air conditioning units clean so they don't cycle allergens inside.

If dust in your home is causing your allergic conjunctivitis, try to limit your exposure to dust, especially in your bedroom. Cover your bed with allergens - especially your pillow - to keep dust from coming into contact with your skin. Wash your bedding regularly, using hot water that is at least 60 degrees Celsius. When cleaning your floors, instead of using a broom or dry duster, use a damp rag or towel to prevent substances. cause allergies.
If pets are a source of allergies for you, try to keep animals outside of the house as much as possible. Keeping pets out of the bedroom so you can sleep in an allergen-free room is especially important. Consider hardwood or tile floors instead of carpet, to prevent pet dander. Always wash your hands after touching a pet and wash clothing that has been in contact with the pet.
2.2 Treat eye allergies with eye drops and medication Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can provide temporary eye allergy relief by washing the allergen from the eye. They also relieve dryness, reducing eye irritation by adding moisture. This medication is available without a prescription and can be used as often as you need.
Decongestants (with or without antihistamines)
Decongestants to reduce eye redness with allergies. This medication also does not require a prescription like eye drops.
Oral antihistamines
Oral antihistamines may be somewhat helpful in relieving itchy eyes. However, they can cause dry eyes and even worsen eye allergy symptoms.
H1 antihistamines
Eye drops with two antihistamines to relieve itching and stabilize mast cells to help prevent eye allergies. Depending on your choice of eye drops, they are used once or twice daily to relieve itching, redness, watering, and burning.
Corticosteroids
Steroid eye drops can help treat chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.
Immunotherapy
If symptoms are not controlled by avoiding allergens, eye drops, or medications, immunotherapy (allergen injections) may be an option for eye allergy relief . With immunotherapy, injection therapy contains small amounts of allergens that are introduced, in increasing doses over time, to help your body become immune to the allergens.

Eye Unit of the Department of Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat and Maxillofacial Department, Vinmec International General Hospital has the function of comprehensive eye and vision health care for children, adults and the elderly including children, adults and the elderly. check for refractive errors, physical examination, diagnostic ultrasound, laser treatment and surgery. In addition, the Eye Unit also has the task of coordinating with other clinical departments in the treatment of pathological complications and eye injuries, including chronic conjunctivitis.
Specialist II Nguyen Thai Hung has 13 years of experience as an eye doctor at C Hospital Da Nang and Ngu Hanh Son General Hospital - Da Nang. Currently working as an Ophthalmologist at the Inter-specialty Clinic of Medical Examination - Internal Medicine, Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang.
To register for examination and treatment of eye diseases at the Eye Unit - Vinmec Times City International Hospital, customers can call Hotline: 0243 9743 556 or register online HERE.