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Ocular Allergies

Red, itchy eyes are the hallmark of ocular allergies. It is estimated that 90% of people with systemic allergies have ocular symptoms.

Allergies can be perennial, and be present throughout the year or seasonal, only present when an specific allergen, like a type of pollen,  is present in the air. Allergies can be triggered by dust, pollen, pet dander, cosmetics, cleaning products, medications, the list goes on and on. Frequently, skin  testing by an allergist is necessary to establish the responsible agent. Treatment of your systemic allergies and cool compresses will help with your ocular symptoms, but frequently eyedrops will be necessary.

Patients that wear contact lenses or have ocular prosthesis may have allergies in their eyes only. If you wear contacts your doctor with evert your eyelid during your yearly exam looking for GPC, giant cell conjunctivitis. This can be treated with eyedrops. Changing your cleaning solution or switching to daily wear contact lenses will be recommended. In severe cases it is necessary to decrease the time of contact lens wear.

There are two types of ocular allergies that are more rare and severe: atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis.  Atopic keratoconjunctivitis affects adults with a history of atopy. On top of ocular itching and redness, it can cause scarring in the surface of your eyes and requires stronger medications for appropriate control.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis affects children with a family history of atopy. It usually lasts a few years. It can also affect the cornea, the clear tissue in front of the iris. Usually preventive treatment is necessary throughout the year as well as stronger medications when it is active.

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