Dealing with allergies can be exasperating, to say the least. Congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin irritation are all common symptoms that people with allergies might experience. Ocular allergies can be particularly annoying to deal with, which is why many sufferers seek assistance from an optometrist in Oshkosh in dealing with symptoms. Watery, itchy, burning or red eyes are all common symptoms of ocular allergies, although these are usually accompanied by nasal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose or congestion.
Causes of ocular allergies
Allergic reactions occur as a result of an oversensitive immune system which treats otherwise harmless particles as a threat to the body. When the immune system detects a threat and tries to fight against it, symptoms of allergies manifest themselves. Triggers of allergies, or allergens, can be present in a variety of environments. The most common outdoor allergens are pollen from plants, trees, grass and flowers. When you’re outside on a breezy day, pollen particles carried in the air can quickly come into contact with your eyes, triggering your allergy symptoms. Indoor allergens, like pet dander, dust and mold, can also cause your ocular allergies to flare up and prevent you from enjoying time in your home. Other allergens like cigarette smoke, fragrances and exhaust fumes can also trigger your allergy symptoms.
Treating and relieving the symptoms of ocular allergies
Thankfully for people who suffer from ocular allergies, there are several steps that you can take to treat your symptoms and reduce your contact with common allergens. Closing windows in your home and reducing your contact with pets can help reduce your exposure to allergens while indoors. When you go outside, you can protect your eyes from pollen by wearing glasses or sunglasses. To reduce your exposure to other allergy triggers, avoid contact with exhaust fumes and steer clear of any fragrance sprays and cigarette smoke.
You may also choose to use over-the-counter medication to address your symptoms. Antihistamines, artificial tears and non-prescription eye drops are all common ocular allergy treatments that can help alleviate your allergy symptoms. If your ocular allergy symptoms are not relieved by changes in your lifestyle to reduce allergen exposure or over-the-counter treatments to relieve symptoms, it might be time to speak to an optometrist in Oshkosh. An optometrist can consult you about your specific ocular allergy concerns and work with you to address and treat your symptoms. Optometrists can prescribe a variety of medical treatments, including prescription eye drops, allergy shots and prescription antihistamines.
Finding the right optometrist in Oshkosh
Are you tired of living with itchy, red, watery and burning eyes? An optometrist in Oshkosh can help address your allergies with effective prescription treatments and helpful consultations. If you’re ready to kick your ocular allergy symptoms to the curb, Dr. Jill’s Optical Shoppe can offer the assistance that you need. We specialize in all things eye care, from eye exams and prescription lenses to other eye-related medical concerns, including ocular allergies. Contact us today and find out how we can help relieve your ocular allergy symptoms and help you enjoy your home and the outdoors without fear of allergens.