The eye doctors at Bloomfield Eye Associates in NJ can provide help for red itchy watery eyes and eye allergies during pollen and ragweed season. Eye allergies and allergic conjunctivitis are extremely common when pollen and ragweed counts are high. Many millions of people suffer from allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes causing common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, which is the clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as Allergic Conjunctivitis. Symptoms often develop rapidly after exposure to the allergen and include itching, tearing, burning, red eyes, mucus discharge, and eyelid swelling. The conjunctiva is the same type of skin that lines the inside of the nose. Therefore, the same allergens can cause similar types of allergic reactions in both the eyes and the nose. The most common forms of allergens include pollen from grass, trees and weeds as well as dust, molds, and pet dander. Allergens like pollens may also worsen your symptoms during certain times of the year. The most effective “treatment” of allergies is avoidance of the allergen(s). Of course avoidance of the allergen(s) is not always easy or possible. For mild cases of red itchy eyes annual follow-up visits with an eye doctor may be appropriate and a good idea. If the mild symptoms become worse or more troublesome or for more severe cases, more frequent visits with an eye doctor may be needed.
Itchy, Watery Eyes and Eye Allergies