How to get rid of eye allergies?

Some people develop eye allergies, a problem caused by exposure to allergens. Learn about the causes of eye allergies and ways to prevent them in the following.  

What are eye allergies?

An eye allergy, known as allergic conjunctivitis, is an immune response that occurs when the eye comes into contact with an irritant, such as pollen, dust, or smoke.  

What are the causes of eye allergy?

The immune system deals with allergens as harmful substances, and begins to fight them, and makes some chemical changes in the body to help it get rid of them, even if these allergens are harmless. Causes of eye allergies include the following:

• Exposure to an immune reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust, dirt, or smoke.
• The effect of food allergy on the eye and cause sensitivity.
• When an allergen comes into contact with your eyes, some cells in your eye release histamine and other substances to fight the allergen, This reaction causes your eyes to become red, itchy, and watery.
• Allergic reactions to perfumes, cosmetics, or medications can cause the eye to respond with an allergic reaction.
• Exposure to a reaction to certain cosmetics or eye drops, including drops used to treat dry eyes that contain preservatives.
• Interaction with other allergens that do not necessarily come into contact with the eyes, such as insect bites.
• Inheriting eye allergies from parents, and increasing the chances of developing them if both parents suffer from the same problem.

Eye allergies can occur at any time of the year but are most common during the spring, summer, and fall months due to weather changes, pollen, or wind associated with dust and dirt.  

How to treat eye allergy?

It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate medications to treat eye allergies and reduce their symptoms, as there are some medications and drops that require a prescription before using them, and they include:

• Antihistamines

It is a substance that helps dilate blood vessels to relieve histamine sensitivity that causes a runny nose, runny nose, and itching.

• Decongestants

Decongestants help shrink swollen nasal passages to make breathing easier, and they reduce the size of blood vessels on the whites of the eyes to reduce redness.

• Mast cell stabilizers

These medications cause changes in the histamine-containing cells in the tissues to prevent the release of histamine. Doctors usually prescribe these stabilizers before the start of allergy season to prevent infection or reduce symptoms.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Your doctor can prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops. These medications help reduce swelling, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

• Corticosteroid drops

Corticosteroid drops are sometimes prescribed to relieve severe eye allergies, but they can cause side effects if used for a long time, such as high eye pressure, glaucoma, and cataracts, so doctors usually prescribe them for short-term use.

• Immunotherapy

In some cases of eye allergies, a doctor uses immunotherapy, by injecting small amounts of allergens to help build a gradual immunity and thus reduce allergic reactions.

 

How to treat eye allergies naturally?

There are natural ways that contribute to alleviating the symptoms of eye allergies, as follows:

• Cold compresses

Cold compresses help soothe the eyes and reduce redness, inflammation, and itching, but the cloth used for this purpose must be clean, to prevent the transfer of bacteria and fungi to the eye.

• Apple cider vinegar

If you suffer from eye allergies and your symptoms are constantly bothering you, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water sweetened with honey, and take this mixture daily, and you will feel better.

• Bee's honey

Bee honey is characterized by its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is one of the appropriate food options for patients with eye allergies, and its nutritional value can be obtained by eating a teaspoon of it on an empty stomach or adding it to one of the herbal drinks.

• Eye exercises

It is one of the natural ways that helps to relax the stressed eye muscles, in addition to its effective role in treating allergies caused by dry eyes.

It is preferable to practice eye exercises such as frequent blinking and opening and closing the eye for a few minutes every half an hour, to ensure the desired results.

• Probiotics

Eye allergies occur as a result of an immune imbalance inside the body, which leads to symptoms, such as itching and swelling. To fix this imbalance, you can take probiotics, a nutrient that reduces the reaction to external stimuli irritating the eye, such as pollen, dust, and insects, by enhancing The presence of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Yogurt and garlic, one of the most prominent foods rich in probiotics, are also available in pharmacies in the form of nutritional supplements, preferably under the advice of a specialist.

• Wild grass

A wild herb that has a wide range of therapeutic properties, as it prevents the body from producing the hormone histamine that causes allergy symptoms.

For a full-fledged herbal drink, make sure to soak nettle leaves and fresh mint in a cup of warm water sweetened with honey.

 

What are the ways to prevent eye allergies?

The following measures can be taken to prevent eye allergy: Avoid allergens is the best way to control eye allergies by avoiding exposure to allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dirt, or dust.

This is by avoiding leaving the house at times when dust or pollen is spreading, and if you have to leave the house, sunglasses should be worn to maximize eye protection.

 

Magrabi’s advice

Eye contact lenses greatly increase the chances of developing eye allergies, especially in people with allergic eye conditions.