With climate changes, some people may suffer from eye allergies, which lead to itching, redness, and a feeling of discomfort. In this case, vision may be affected, which raises concerns about the continuation of these symptoms or their impact on vision. The "Dalili Medical" website reviews in the following report the effect of eye allergies on vision. According to our website, the stimuli that individuals are exposed to in their daily lives may cause eye allergies, also known as "Eye Allergy", which is a common disease that causes discomfort to many due to its annoying symptoms that vary from one person to another, such as constant itching, redness, and swelling. However, this condition can be easily dealt with by consulting a specialized ophthalmologist and following some tips, instructions, and prevention methods. We will also help you know the difference between eye allergies and eye inflammation, and all of this and more in the following article.

**What is eye allergy?**

 

Eye allergy, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is an immune response that occurs when the eye is exposed to an allergen such as pollen or dust. This response leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent layer that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids. Eye allergy symptoms include redness, tearing, and severe itching.

**Can allergies cause vision problems?**

 

Yes, allergies can cause temporary vision problems, often as a result of associated symptoms, such as increased tearing that may impair clarity of vision. Swollen eyelids may also cause difficulty seeing, in addition to constant itching. However, vision problems caused by allergies are temporary and usually go away after receiving appropriate treatment and the symptoms disappear.

Does eye allergy lead to poor vision?

 

Eye allergy does not directly cause poor vision, but it may affect the quality of vision, leading to temporary blurring or weakness in vision, which can go away once the symptoms and associated causes are treated.

What is the difference between eye allergy and eye inflammation?

 

Although the symptoms of the two conditions are similar, eye inflammation is often the result of a bacterial or viral infection. While eye allergy, as mentioned, is not caused by an infection, but rather is the result of the immune system's reaction to allergens such as dust, dirt, pollen, and others.

What is the difference between eye allergy and viral conjunctivitis?

 

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, refers to irritation or infection of the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is often confused with eye allergy due to the similarity of symptoms, such as:

- Redness of the eye.

- Watery discharge from the eyes.

- Feeling of a foreign body in the eye.

The two conditions can be distinguished by different symptoms, such as:

- Severe itching in the eye is a sign of eye allergy.

- Viral conjunctivitis usually starts in one eye and then moves to the other, while eye allergy usually affects both eyes at the same time. It is worth noting that allergic conjunctivitis is a type of eye allergy as explained earlier.

Why do eyes get allergies?

 

The conjunctiva is the outer part of the eye that is exposed to the air, making it the most susceptible to allergens. So, as soon as a person opens their eyes, they are at risk of developing eye allergy.

There are some individuals who are more susceptible to allergies and conjunctivitis, and they are people who have a history of allergies, whether it is allergies in the eyes, skin, respiratory system or nose.

What are the types of allergic conjunctivitis?

 

The types of allergic conjunctivitis include the following:

1. **Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis**: This is the most common type, as symptoms appear in certain seasons related to the type of pollen that causes the allergy.

2. **Perennial allergic conjunctivitis**: This type occurs throughout the year and not at specific times, due to the continuous presence of allergens, such as dust allergy.

3. **Vernal keratoconjunctivitis**: This type often affects children, and is characterized by severe eye allergies that may lead to permanent problems if not treated appropriately.

4. **Atopic keratoconjunctivitis**: It is a chronic type of eye allergy that affects adults, and usually appears in people with skin conditions such as eczema.

5. **Allergic contact conjunctivitis**: This type occurs as a result of wearing contact lenses in some individuals.

6. **Giant papillary conjunctivitis**: It is also associated with wearing contact lenses, but it is more severe than allergic contact conjunctivitis, as it causes redness of the inner lining of the eye.

**Effect of eye allergy on vision**

Allergic reactions in the eye, known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that covers the eye and the inner part of the eyelid, is exposed to allergens. This reaction leads to annoying symptoms that affect vision.

**Top tips to relieve eye allergy symptoms**

Avoid touching or scratching the eyes with your hands, as this friction can increase the secretion of antihistamines and allergy-fighting cells, which leads to aggravation of the desire to itch and increase symptoms. 

Refrain from wearing contact lenses. 

Do not use cosmetics around the eyes. 

Stay away from irritants such as dust, smoke, fumes, chemicals and strong smells.

Use cold compresses to relieve inflammation.

Use preservative-free artificial tears to moisturize your eyes.

Wash your hands frequently to avoid transferring dirt or infection to your eyes, which can worsen symptoms.

Drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water sweetened with honey, which can help reduce symptoms.

Practice eye exercises to relieve eye strainResulting from allergies, such as frequent blinking and slowly opening and closing the eyes every hour.

Reduce exposure to open spaces, especially gardens, to avoid exposure to dust and pollen.

Wear high-quality sunglasses, as they protect the lenses from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays that may affect the eye.

Contact lenses should be avoided except when absolutely necessary, and when used, they should not be worn for long periods, and they should be cleaned regularly using the designated solution.

When at home, it is preferable to close windows and doors tightly to prevent dust from entering.

It is important to wash hands frequently with soap and water to ensure their cleanliness and prevent the transmission of any microbes or germs that may affect the eyes.

In the summer, with the rise in temperatures, it is advisable to stay in air-conditioned places, as high temperatures may irritate the eyes and increase the likelihood of developing allergies.

If you have a pet at home, it is preferable to avoid touching it if you are prone to allergies. It is also advisable to keep it away from the bedroom to avoid the spread of its fur, which may cause eye irritation. If it is necessary to touch it, make sure to wash your hands well with soap and water and change your clothes afterwards.

Make sure to keep your home clean and humid by cleaning it and wiping the floors regularly

**Foods that cause eye allergies**

There are some foods that may lead to the appearance of types of allergies, which can appear in different ways on parts of the body, including the eye. Among these foods are:

- Seafood

- Nuts

- Wheat

- Peanuts

- Milk and its derivatives

How is eye allergy diagnosed?

 

An ophthalmologist can diagnose the condition by listening to the symptoms and examining the eye using appropriate devices. In some cases, the doctor may resort to performing a skin prick test, where drops of allergens are placed on the skin and then pricked with a needle. If red spots appear, this indicates that the patient has an allergy.

What are the complications resulting from eye allergies?

 

The patient may be exposed to annoying complications if allergy treatment is ignored, including:

- Ulcers in the conjunctiva.

- Scars.

- Loss of vision in rare cases, especially in severe types of allergies such as acute allergic conjunctivitis.

What are the best drops to treat eye allergies?

 

There are many options available to treat eye allergies, the most prominent of which are:

- **Opti Fresh** - eye drops 10 ml.

- **Croma** - eye drops 10 ml.

- **Livostin** - 0.5 mg eye drops 4 ml.

- **Patanol** - eye drops 5 ml.

- **Recugel** - eye gel 10 g.

**Antihistamines**: These drops work to relieve the symptoms of eye allergies by blocking the effect of histamine, such as Azelastine.

**Decongestants**: Decongestant drops help treat eye allergies and redness by constricting the blood vessels in the eye, such as Naphazoline. Some drops are also available that contain a combination of antihistamines and decongestants.

**Mast cell stabilizers:** Mast cell stabilizers play an important role in treating eye allergies by reducing the secretion of substances that cause allergy symptoms. Examples of these drops include Cromolyn and Nedocromil. There are also newer types of eye drops that combine antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.

**Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:** These drops help relieve itching associated with allergies, such as Ketorolac.

**Corticosteroids:** Drops containing steroids are used to treat chronic and severe eye allergies under medical supervision, as they help relieve allergy symptoms.

**Allergy Shots**Allergy Shots are given by injecting a small dose of the allergen once or twice a week, gradually increasing the dose over approximately 3 to 6 months. After this period, the number of injections is reduced to a monthly dose that lasts for 3 to 5 years.

**Sublingual Immunotherapy**Sublingual immunotherapy can be used to treat eye allergies caused by some types of pollen. This treatment involves taking a tablet placed under the tongue containing the allergen, at a rate of 3 times a week, then this rate is gradually increased until it becomes daily, for up to 3 years or more.

**Eye Allergy Treatment** To recover from eye allergies, you must avoid the triggers that cause them. However, it may be difficult to completely avoid these triggers sometimes. In this case, it is recommended to use a group of medications prescribed by a specialist doctor to relieve symptoms and get rid of the feeling of discomfort. The most prominent medications used to treat allergies are:

- **Antihistamines**: They work to reduce the production of histamine, which is responsible for the appearance of allergy symptoms, and the doctor prescribes them in the form of a syrup or tablets.

- **Steroids**: They are used in cases of chronic and severe allergies, where the doctor prescribes them for a short period.

- **Artificial tears**: They help wash the eye, which contributes to removing allergens.

**Immunotherapy**: This type of treatment is used when a person suffers from chronic allergies and other medications do not achieve effective results. The treatment includes giving the patient allergens in the form of tablets or injections, and the treatment continues for a long period with a gradual increase in the dose, in order to avoid reducing the response of the body's immune system.

**Decongestants**: These medications help relieve eye redness resulting from allergies.

**Mast cell stabilizers**: These medications help reduce the production of allergens from mast cells, which leads to alleviating the symptoms of eye allergies.

**Treatment of eye allergies with herbs**

**Al**Onions are one of the most prominent natural ingredients used to treat eye allergies. A natural drop of onion water can be easily prepared by mixing a spoonful of onion juice with a spoonful of honey until they are homogeneous, then filling the mixture in a bottle to use as eye drops. The ancient Egyptians used this method to treat eye allergies, thanks to the antibacterial properties of onions, in addition to the anti-inflammatory and infection properties of honey.

**Fennel** Fennel is an effective herb in relieving eye allergies, as it contributes to moisturizing the eyes and eyelids significantly. To prepare it, boil a spoonful of fennel in a liter of water, then filter it well and fill it in a bottle to use as eye drops daily.

**Chamomile tea** Chamomile tea can be used as cold compresses placed on the closed eye. It is prepared by soaking chamomile herbs in water for five minutes and then cooling it. It is recommended to use it 3-4 times a day for two or three days, as it helps reduce redness and swelling, and also helps prevent infection thanks to its antibacterial properties.

-** Aloe Vera Gel:** Applying aloe vera gel to the area around the eyes helps reduce inflammation and speed up eye healing, as it contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as aloin and amodin.