Eye Allergies in Lake Worth, FL

Around 50 million U.S. adults and children suffer from seasonal allergies (commonly called hay fever) and endure annoying or unpleasant symptoms. Often, if you have seasonal allergies, you experience other well-known symptoms, like sneezing, congestion, and runny noses. However, you may also suffer from red, watery, burning, or puffy eyes. When allergens affect your eyes, the result is allergic conjunctivitis. Also known as ocular allergies, many patients have eye allergies, which occur in conjunction with other seasonal allergies. The discomfort you feel with ocular allergies can range from mild to severe, but they usually have convenient treatment options. At our eye care facility, our Lake Worth, FL, eye doctors offer multiple eye allergy treatments to reduce itching and swelling. Located near Delray Beach and Lake Worth, FL, please get in touch with our South Florida eye center team at Palm Beach Eye Center to learn more about itchy eye treatment.

When we think of allergies, we often think of sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. However, for many, allergies may extend to the eyes, with itchy, swollen, teary, red eyes. Additionally, it could affect the eyelids too, which can also become itchy, swollen, and red. If this is you, you may want to visit Palm Beach Eye Center to have your eye allergies in Delray Beach, FL, diagnosed. Our experienced team can help you find eye allergy relief today.

Normally, eye allergies happen because of tree pollen, mildew, dust mites, pet dander, fragrances, cigarettes, or skin care products. Although allergies happen mostly for these reasons, our ophthalmologists will complete a thorough eye exam to ensure your symptoms are not caused by something else and develop a treatment plan. In some cases, patients may need to see an allergist who can determine their particular allergy trigger. Impacting both the internal structures of your eye and eyelids, the most well-known eye allergy symptoms include:

• Watery eyes
• Irritated
• Puffy
• Red eyes
• Itchiness
• Inflammation
• Puffiness
• Soreness
• Prickling
• Light sensitivity

Eye allergies often accompany other seasonal allergy symptoms. At our clinic locations in Delray Beach and Lake Worth, FL, our team provides effective treatments for eyes swollen from eye allergies. Some of the common causes of eye allergies include:

• Mildew
• Tree pollen
• Dust mites
• Cigarettes
• Pet danger
• Fragrances
• Skin care products

These allergens can cause a range of symptoms, such as light sensitivity, watery eyes, and puffiness. Our ophthalmologists conduct thorough eye exams to diagnose and develop personalized treatment plans.

Eye allergies can be triggered by a range of factors that individuals might encounter daily. The primary risk factors include exposure to common allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain chemicals found in cosmetics or eye drops. Seasonal changes significantly influence the presence of outdoor allergens, making some individuals more prone to symptoms during specific times of the year. Additionally, a personal or family history of allergies can increase one’s susceptibility to developing eye allergies, as can living or working in environments that are rich in potential allergens. Recognizing these risk factors is a key step towards managing and mitigating the symptoms associated with eye allergies.

Once our team assess your eyes, symptoms, and medical history, we can determine the underlying reason and offer solutions for your needs. To alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, your ophthalmologist may recommend prescription eye drops or daily wear contacts. In some mild cases, nonprescription eye drops may be recommended to help alleviate symptoms as they flare up. Of course, if possible, we recommend avoiding the allergen, but we understand that some allergens are unavoidable.

How are eye allergies diagnosed?
The signs and symptoms of eye allergies may appear similar to those of other conditions. Our vision specialists will conduct a thorough eye exam to rule out any other concerns. An eye exam at Palm Beach Eye Center may include a slit lamp test and might involve screening for a certain type of white blood cell in the conjunctiva area of the eye. We will also review your health history and discuss potential environmental factors or allergens that could be contributing to your eye allergies.

Are eye allergies serious?
Though many cases of eye allergies in South Florida patients are simply a minor annoyance, such conditions can be more concerning in some individuals. Without proper care, certain types of eye allergies can damage the delicate tissues in the eye and impact a person's vision. For this reason, it is imperative to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist if you think you could have eye allergies.

How long do eye allergies last?
Eye allergies are often observed during pollen or allergy season but can last for weeks or months in the absence of treatment. Getting proper professional care when eye allergies first arise can help preserve your comfort and your ocular health.

For many people, eye allergies are uncomfortable and irritating, but thankfully, we offer many simple options to get relief. Our Lake Worth, FL, eye doctors work with patients on a case-by-case basis — so they receive the best treatment for their particular needs. Please contact Palm Beach Eye Center if you suffer from eye allergies, and schedule your eye exam.