Eye Allergies in Rhode Island

About 50 million Americans are affected by allergies and experience frustrating, uncomfortable symptoms. Sneezing, runny noses, and congestion are very common symptoms, but so are red, watery, itchy, swollen eyes. When your allergies affect your eyes, they are called ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis. The discomfort caused by their symptoms can range from mild to severe, but they usually have simple treatments and solutions.

The knowledgeable professionals at Koch Eye Associates can help guide you through the various treatment options. Schedule an appointment at one of our Rhode Island facilities today to get fast relief. To best serve our patients, we perform comprehensive eye exams in our Johnston, North Kingstown, Wakefield, Warwick, and Woonsocket, RI offices.

Ocular allergy symptoms usually include itchy, watery, red eyes. You can also experience symptoms that spread to your eyelids, making them swell, itch, and turn red as well. Some patients have more serious or more uncomfortable symptoms, including a burning sensation or soreness of the eyes and sensitivity to light.

Eye allergies are usually caused by the same airborne irritants that cause congestion, sneezing, and runny noses. Mold, dust, pet dander, and pollen are all very common causes of ocular allergy symptoms. Other irritants include cigarette smoke, certain chemicals and cosmetics, perfumes, and eye drops. Sufferers of eye allergies will be glad to learn that insect and food allergens are less likely to affect the eyes than the airborne allergens.

The most effective option for eye allergy relief is to always avoid the allergen — but we know that is not always easy or even possible. Eye drops to help with red, itchy, watery eyes are available over the counter, but often, they provide no or only partial relief. If this is the case with your eye allergies, Koch Eye Associates can thoroughly examine your eyes and prescribe drops or oral allergy medications to alleviate your symptoms. Also, we recommend that contact lens users who have eye allergies should consider using disposable daily contacts because the airborne allergens can build up on lenses.

The symptoms of eye allergies can cause mild to severe discomfort, but fortunately, there are many treatment options that can help. Our professional team of experts deals with patients on a case by case basis, ensuring that every individual receives a customized, specific treatment. If you are experiencing eye allergies with no relief, contact a Koch Eye Associates facility in Rhode Island. We will guide you to your best solution.