At Redding Eyecare Center—serving Siskyou, Shasta County, Tehema and Trinity CA—our Redding optometrist has helped people of all ages find lasting relief from their eye allergies. Knowledge is power, so understanding more about your unique eye allergy presentation (in addition to seeking care with our team) can help you stay symptom-free.
Causes & Triggers of Eye Allergies
Clinically known as allergic conjunctivitis, an eye allergy happens when an otherwise non-harmful substance causes an excessive and inflammatory immune system reaction. In other words, the body recognizes this substance (also known as an allergen) as noxious or harmful, and launches a protective response against it, leading to the hallmark eye allergy symptoms (see the next section).
It’s not entirely why some people get certain allergies, including those that affect the eyes, and others don’t. It’s believed that genetics and even a widespread emphasis on ultra-hygiene may play a role.
Triggers of allergies can vary, but those that affect the eyes often include:
- Mold
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet Dander
- Smoke and car exhaust
- Skin care products and make up
- Medications
Common Eye Allergy Symptoms
If you have an eye allergy, you’ll almost certainly know it. Your symptoms will typically include:
- Redness, itchiness, and/or burning in the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes often described as clear and watery
- Blurry vision
These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and will tend to worsen when you come in direct contact with whatever trigger causes your allergic reaction.
How Our Redding Optometrist Can Provide Eye Allergy Relief
Helping people understand how to control their allergy symptoms is a key part of care here for our Redding optometrist. In addition to providing specific services such as anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine medications or eye drops, Dr. Michael Young also offers plenty of patient education. He advises his patients with eye allergies to:
- Avoid their known triggers as much as possible
- Use cold compresses for at-home symptom relief
- Never rub or touch the eyes
- Wear glasses instead of contacts when symptoms flare up
Do You Suffer From Eye Allergies? Let Our Redding Optometrist Help You Start Feeling & Seeing Better Today
Dr. Young is proud to be an area leader in vision and eye care. As a Redding optometrist, he relies on his 30 years of experience plus extensive clinical training to help him provide effective, affordable, customized, and evidence-based care for his patients. If you’re suffering from eye allergies or any other ailment affecting your vision, then contact the Redding Eyecare Center today.
We’d be happy to get you in to see the eye doctor as soon as possible! Call us now at (530) 222-1233.