An allergy is an immune-system overreaction to typically harmless substances known as allergens. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, insect venom, and food. Most people will suffer from at least one allergic reaction at some point in their life.
Symptoms
Eye allergy symptoms may include:
- Red, watery, itchy eyes
- Running or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sinus pressure
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightening
- Asthma attack (in severe cases)
Prevalence and Treatment
Approximately 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children experience allergies. We encourage affected patients to schedule an appointment to discuss trigger avoidance, testing options, relief strategies, and treatment approaches. Allergies can disrupt your quality of life and make it impossible to do activities you usually love — but the eye-related symptoms are very treatable.