Have eye allergies become a depressing, debilitating part of your everyday life? Many people suffer from itchy, red, swollen, watery eyes on a constant or recurring basis. These symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable; they can reduce your vision and distract your attention to a dangerous degree, especially when driving. You need to get this problem under control and Eye Care of Virginia can help. Our eye doctor in Culpeper, VA can confirm an eye allergy and prescribe the appropriate treatments to minimize it.

Eye Allergy Symptoms and Triggers

Allergic reactions, in which the immune pumps out a large amount of histamine in an exaggerated response to a perceived threat, can afflict many parts of the body, including the skin, the digestive system, the respiratory system and, unfortunately, the eyes. But you might not recognize the telltale symptoms at first, if only because they can easily be mistaken for symptoms of a cold, general irritation, dry eye or another ailment. Typical symptoms include watery, itchy, or burning eyes. More serious allergic reactions can produce a condition called allergic conjunctivitis. In addition to the other symptoms already noted, this inflammatory condition gives the eye a characteristic red or pink coloration (hence the nickname “pinkeye”), as well as swelling and discharge.

Identifying your allergy triggers can also prove challenging, especially if you live in a region notorious for multiple allergens and allergy seasons. But outdoor tree and grass pollens aren’t the only cause of eye allergies. Triggers such as pet dander, airborne smoke or other pollutants, perfumes, mold spores and skin mites can plague your eyes all year round. Some people are even sensitive to the proteins that collect on contact lenses, making them vulnerable to yet another variant of conjunctivitis called giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Soothing Remedies and Preventative Strategies from Our Optometrist

Bring your runny, itchy, swollen eyes to Eye Care of Virginia for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and prompt, effective care from our optometrist, Dr. Press. We can determine whether your symptoms are being caused by an allergy or some other condition that requires its own treatment. If you seem to be suffering from a seasonal allergy, we may recommend that you undergo allergy testing so you can find out exactly which pollens you need to avoid. If your symptoms started when you began wearing standard soft or extended-wear contact lenses, you may want to switch you over to gas permeable or single-use disposable contacts so your eyes will experience less exposure to accumulated proteins. To ease your immediate discomfort, we can provide:

  • Artificial tears to help clear allergens out of the eyes
  • Medicated eye drops for occasional attacks of acute inflammation
  • Antihistamines to reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation
  • Lifestyle adjustments to reduce exposure to pet dander and other indoor/outdoor allergens

Need an Eye Doctor Near Culpeper to Treat Your Allergies?

You don’t to “just live with” eye allergies that interfere with your vision, comfort, and quality of life. If you’ve been looking for an eye doctor near Culpeper who can help free you from this burden, turn our eyes toward Eye Care of Virginia. Contact either of our locations for a consultation, evaluation, and treatment from our optometrist!