Tag allergies

Allergies are often perceived as mere nuisances, manifesting through sneezing, congestion, and skin irritations. Even so, a growing body of evidence suggests that allergies can have lasting implications that extend beyond common symptoms. Conditions related to allergies can lead to a spectrum of eye-related complications that can negatively impact your vision and quality of life. Today, we answer the question, “Can allergies affect your vision?” and offer information about the connection between allergies and vision.

Can Allergies Affect Your Vision?

Studies have shown that allergies often affect vision. More than half of people living with allergies experience symptoms in the form of itchy, watery, and swollen eyes. These manifestations not only contribute to pain and discomfort but can also result in blurred vision to a degree that hinders daily activities. The interplay between environmental allergens and the exacerbation of symptoms suggests a clear correlation between allergies and reports of vision complications. 

While allergies may not be the direct cause of vision loss, their indirect effects on eye health can be profound. Addressing this often-overlooked aspect of allergy management is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. 

What Causes Eye Allergies?

Allergies that impact vision are referred to as allergic conjunctivitis and generally result in itchiness, dry eyes, and blurry vision. While symptoms can vary from person to person, the cause is commonly the same. Your body encounters an ordinarily harmless environmental substance known as an allergen. This substance elicits a response in the form of the body’s overreaction to the foreign substance. 

A large number of substances can be considered allergens. Of those that often concern the eyes, the most common are:

• Pollen from grasses, trees, and flowers
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Perfume
• Cigarette smoke
• Diesel exhaust

Why Eye Allergies Are Exacerbated by Season

All of the allergens described are present year-round. This issue raises the question of why allergies are exacerbated during the spring and early summer months. Well, during these months, pollen counts multiply, and high winds occur more frequently than in other months. The wind blows and knocks allergens loose, then distributes them in the air for unsuspecting bystanders to find. Under normal circumstances, this event would be no issue, but for people with allergic conjunctivitis, this issue means redness, swelling, and discomfort. 

Symptoms of Eye Allergies,

Evidence concludes that eye allergies can indirectly or directly affect your vision. However, some other eye conditions share similar symptoms to allergic conjunctivitis. As such, having your eyes checked by a medical professional is vital in optimizing your eye health. 

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include but are not limited to:

• Itching
• Watery eyes
• Burning
• Dry eyes
• Red eyes
• Dark under-eye circles,
• Swollen eyelids
• Light sensitivity
• Watery or thick, discharge

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are advised to seek medical advice. A doctor can address potential problems, ease your concerns, answer any questions, and create an individualized treatment plan. If symptoms persist, it could indicate a serious underlying condition with the potential to impair your vision. 

Vision Impairment Caused by Allergies

Vision impairment in the form of blurry vision can be caused by the body’s attempt to fight allergens when they enter the body through the eye. When allergens enter the eye, your immune functions are triggered, releasing histamines to combat the invader. In allergic reactions, the result can take the shape of swelling blood vessels in your eyes and eyelids. This swelling causes pressure to be applied to the eye and can create blurry vision. 

Similarly, wearing contact lenses can cause an allergic reaction in your eyes. This condition, giant papillary conjunctivitis, refers to symptoms of blurry vision and deteriorated vision correction because of the use of contacts.

Another common reaction to expel allergens from the eye is increased tear production. This layer of moisture can cause vision loss, though sometimes the vision impairment is due to a layer of mucus coating the eye, rather than excess moisture. 

Health Clinic in Abilene

Allergies can significantly impact the quality and strength of your vision. Early intervention and proper treatment are imperative for maintaining eye health and supporting overall well-being. Contact West Texas Health to treat your allergies today.

Allergies can affect people year-round, contributing to a series of negative symptoms and traits. You might be affected by the pollens that fly through the air during the spring. Or perhaps you are allergic to grass and deal with itching and irritation during the summertime. No matter what time of the year you deal with seasonal symptoms, you should invest in professional allergy services and take steps to prepare for seasonal allergies. 

If you feel allergy symptoms are starting to creep up on you, read on to learn steps you can take to prepare for seasonal allergies.

5 Steps You Can Take to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

1. Learn Your Allergy Triggers

Different allergies stem from different triggers and allergens. It is important to recognize what exactly sparks your allergic reactions. For example, if you are allergic to flower pollens, stay indoors on particularly windy days. If you have multiple allergic reactions and cannot quite pinpoint the source, we encourage you to visit us for a comprehensive allergy test. 

2. Learn When Allergy Season Starts

Season allergies can occur every few months. Those with severe reactions might feel like they are always coming down with different allergy symptoms. Knowing when to expect seasonal flare-ups can help you prepare for the difficult times ahead. More importantly, knowing what to expect can help you avoid these problems altogether. 

Most people experience spring allergies, which can begin as early as February and last through the summer. Late summer and fall allergies exist as well, as the changing leaves and intense weather patterns take a toll on our bodies. Avoiding pollens, mold, dander, and other possible allergens during these peak times will keep your symptoms at bay. 

3. Equip Your Home with the Essentials

During particularly bad bouts of weather, you may want to stay indoors and avoid an allergic reaction—let alone a cold. If you are already struggling with an outbreak of allergies, these at-home essentials can help: 

• Combine your air conditioner and dehumidifier to create a cool and dry environment, free of moisture in the air. 
• Use designated filters and HEPA items to keep even the most microscopic of allergens out of the air in your home. 
• Try to sweep and vacuum often to keep the area clean. 

If your allergies are very serious, you might also be prescribed medication like an inhaler or an EpiPen for use in an emergency.

4. List and Track Your Symptoms

If you are ready to get medical help for your seasonal allergy problems, you have come to the right place. When you reach out to our West Texas Health experts, we will ask you to describe the exact symptoms you are experiencing. Depending on the type of seasonal allergies you get, as well as how intense your symptoms are, there might be a specific type of treatment that works for you. 

Many allergy symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Fever, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, coughing, watery eyes, itchiness, rash, and fatigue can all be signs that you are having an allergic reaction. 

5. Get Started with an Appropriate Treatment Plan

The longer you go without seeking appropriate care for seasonal allergies, the worse your symptoms can get. Instead of waiting for your health to deteriorate, you can get essential medical care in Abilene by reaching out to our friendly experts today. We can help you narrow down your allergy symptoms to pinpoint the exact trigger. With a combination of education and prescribed medication, you can set yourself up for an allergy-free future. Get started with us today to learn more!