We use our sense of sight more than any of our other senses, and for a very good reason. Through the years, humans have evolved to have highly developed vision which makes it possible for us to navigate the world with ease and safety. While eye sight plays a very important role in our day to day lives, very few actually realize just how essential vision is. This is, of course, until they get eye allergies.
Eye allergies come in many different forms, and lots of different contaminants and pathogens in our surroundings can cause it. Regardless of the reasons behind it, however, there is no denying that eye allergies can be a big hassle, and could even be reason enough for us to halt our everyday responsibilities.
What Are Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies work like any other allergies and can present with an entire host of different symptoms. Oftentimes, eye allergies start as the consequence of contamination or contact with allergens present in the environment. For some people with overly sensitive eyes, something as simple as a speck of dust could cause a major reaction. The common symptoms associated with eye allergies are teary, itchy, red, and swollen eyes that feel irritated and uncomfortable. Others may also present with congestion, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, among many other different symptoms.
How Do You Get Eye Allergies?
Basically, the manifestations produced by an eye allergy are the body’s reaction and response against a contaminant in the environment that threatens your health through contact with your eyes. Anything can cause an eye allergy, with the main reason being direct contact with any surface of the eye. Once the anti-bodies in the eyes are activated, they send signals to your brain to deliver an allergic reaction in order to combat the foreign body that made contact with your eyes.
How to Prevent Eye Allergies
Because eye allergies can take a serious toll on your productivity, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions in order to prevent an infection. Washing your hands regularly will help keep contaminants that you’ve touched from entering your eyes. Refraining from scratching your eyes, especially if you know you haven’t washed your hands, will be greatly beneficial. Finally, if you have particularly sensitive eyes, wearing protective eyewear to shield your eyes from too much light and potential pathogens could save you from the stress and trouble of having an eye allergy.
Book an appointment with your eye doctor at Laurier Optical Innes Eye Clinic to discuss ways to protect your eyes from the pain and discomfort of eye allergies.