Eye Conditions, Eye Treatments

Seasonal allergies affect more than 20 million people in the United States every year (hay fever). Airborne allergen particles like molds, house dusts, animal hairs not only affect patient with respiratory allergies when inhaled but frequently come into contact with the ocular surfaces resulting in eye allergies at any time. Ocular allergies take the form of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (also known as Vernal Conjunctivitis).

Vernal Conjunctivitis

Vernal Conjunctivitis

Management of allergic conjunctivitis is preventive or therapeutic.

Eye Allergy Treatment

Preventive management consists of isolating the allergens. Once allergens are identified they can be avoided by the patient or an allergist can assist with a de-sensitization plan. OTC tear lubricants create a protective barrier and can dilute the allergens. If contact lenses are used the patient may have to temporarily stop them.

Therapeutic management could be hygienic care with cool compresses to decrease itching and puffiness. Antihistamine and decongestant eyedrops can calm eye irritation. In more severe cases histamine blocking eyedrops may be needed. In the most severe cases steroid drops and pills have been used to suppress ocular allergic reactions.

If you are suffering from ocular allergies contact our Chicago eye surgeons to schedule an appointment.