Red, Teary Eyes from Seasonal Allergies Can Be Soothed
Are you sneezing and congested? Are your eyes watery and red? You may be suffering from
seasonal allergies. About 20% of adults and children in the United States suffer from allergies,
making it the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the country.
Part of allergy suffering can include red, teary eyes or painful inner eyelids. This may occur during
spring, summer, or fall allergies. Symptoms such as red watery eyes, inflamed inner eyelids, blurred vision,
scratchy sensations, and sometimes a pus-like or watery discharge can also be triggered by cosmetic, animal,
or fabric allergens. However, eye inflammation or conjunctivitis may also have other causes and
should be diagnosed before treatment begins.
Types of Conjunctivitis
The three main types of conjunctivitis are:
- Allergic – triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or dander.
- Infectious – commonly called “pink eye,” caused by viruses, bacteria, or (rarely) fungi.
- Chemical – caused by irritants like air pollution, noxious fumes, chlorine in pools, or cleaning products.
Only bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic drops. Viral conjunctivitis, the most common form,
does not respond to antibiotics and must be resolved by the body’s immune system.
Contact Lenses and Allergies
For contact lens wearers, allergy season can be especially challenging. Airborne allergens can cling to lenses,
causing irritation, while allergens can also trigger natural substances in your eyes that bind to the lenses,
further increasing discomfort.
Eye drops can provide relief and help keep lenses clean. However, some drops can discolor or damage certain lenses,
so consult us before trying a new brand. Another great option is switching to daily disposable contact lenses,
which are replaced nightly. This prevents buildup of allergens and helps reduce allergy-related eye discomfort.
If you experience seasonal or year-round ocular allergy symptoms, call us today at
(908) 281-0800 for relief and personalized treatment.