Can an Optometrist Treat Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies can cause itchiness, irritation, tearing, and redness. The impact might be so intense in some cases that it affects your overall vision. If this is the case, it is advisable to seek medical help from a professional optometrist. There are different preventative and curative solutions for eye allergies.

Causes of Eye Allergies

The causes of eye allergies are allergens or irritants in the air that go into your eye. They may be in the form of:

• Pollen.

• Food allergies.

• Dust.

• Chemicals in cleaning detergents.

• Reaction to contact lenses.

Optometrist Treatments for Eye Allergies

Most eye allergies are treatable using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, your doctor can recommend prescription medication if OTC medications are ineffective. These can be oral medications or eye drops.

Artificial Tears

Your optometrist may recommend the use of non-prescription artificial tears. These eye drops can be enough for alleviating the symptoms of eye allergies. They work by moistening your eyes to prevent irritation and wash away allergens. 

You can use them as much as you need since they are available at most drugstores. There are many brands of these eye drops on the market. So, you should consult your optometrist for a recommendation.

Decongestant Eye Drops

These eye drops work by narrowing the blood vessels in your eye, reducing redness. Importantly, they are not for people suffering from glaucoma. Some have an antihistamine for severe itching, while others do not. 

However, excessive use can lead to an increase in swelling and redness. For this reason, optometrists recommend using them for up to three days.

Prescription Medications and Eye Drops

Prescription medications and eye drops are also effective in treating eye allergies. They treat moderate to severe eye allergies, offering long and short-term relief. Some of them include:

• Mast Cell Medications - These medications inhibit the release of histamine and other chemicals. Optometrists recommend using these medications before exposure to allergens to avert itchiness.

• Antihistamines - They are effective in reducing swelling and itching. A few of these drops offer fast relief from swelling and redness. However, you will need to use them repeatedly as their effects only last a few hours.

• Corticosteroid Eye Medications - These medications treat chronic redness and itching. They are also effective in treating severe swelling of the eye. Optometrists recommend using them for more than two weeks under their supervision. It is because they lead to an increased risk of cataracts or glaucoma.

• Immunotherapy - These are allergy shots that help increase your eyes’ tolerance to allergens. 
   

They work by gradually exposing your eyes to allergens to help them fight off the effects. You will notice the results of immunotherapy after several months. Additionally, you may also require other medications for optimal results.

Conclusion

Optometrists are highly trained professionals who can help treat eye allergies. However, go for regular eye exams to get the full extent of your allergies. Your eye doctor will offer you the appropriate solution for your eye problems.

For more information on eye allergies, visit Van Alstyne Eye Care at our office in Van Alstyne, Texas. You can call 903-482-0090 today to schedule an appointment.