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Allergies

Allergies affecting the eye are fairly common. The most common allergies are those related to pollen, particularly when the weather is warm and dry.

Symptoms can include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Tearing
• Burning
• Stinging
• Watery or stringy discharge
• Swelling of the lids and/or conjunctiva

Antihistamine decongestant eyedrops can effectively reduce these symptoms, as does rain and cooler weather, which decreases the amount of pollen in the air.

An increasing number of eye allergy cases are related to medications and contact lens wear. Also, animal hair and certain cosmetics, such as mascara, face creams, and eyebrow pencil, can cause allergies that affect the eye. Touching or rubbing eyes after handling nail polish, soaps, or chemicals may cause an allergic reaction. Some people have sensitivity to lip gloss and eye makeup. Allergy symptoms are temporary and can be eliminated by not having contact with the offending cosmetic or detergent.

It is recommended that (at least initially) you do not self-treat; different eye diseases and disorders frequently present with the same initial symptoms. Consult with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist), as some cases may result in permanent damage if left untreated too long.