Eye Allergy Treatment in Downtown Manhattan, New York

Eye allergies treatment can be part of your everyday living habits when you suffer from red, runny eyes. But there may be other, more helpful eye allergy treatments you may not be aware of, or you might have an entirely different condition. But you can only know this by visiting an eye allergy specialist near me in Downtown Manhattan at Eye Physicians. Call them if you or your child continues to suffer with uncomfortable symptoms that keep you from enjoying everyday activities.

    What Are Eye Allergies?

    Eye AllergiesEye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when something irritates the eyes. Typically, the allergen triggers the production of histamines that work to eliminate it. This produces swelling, burning and itchiness. When eye allergies flare up, it’s difficult to maintain simple daily tasks. You often can’t stay focused and grow tired easily.

    The conjunctiva is the lining of the eyelid and part of the eyeball. When this becomes inflamed, it’s called allergic conjunctivitis. Your eye allergies can occur seasonally or year-round, depending upon what irritants are triggering them.

    An eye allergy specialist is best equipped to diagnose and treat this condition. Eye Physicians, led by the best optometrist, offers the latest allergy eye treatment in Downtown Manhattan, NYC. And their experienced team of optometrists gets you in and out of eye exam appointments in less than an hour.

    What’s the Difference Between Allergic Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis?

    Viral conjunctivitis is most commonly called pink eye. It’s a condition often discovered among children who easily spread the infection by touching each other and infected surfaces with dirty hands in busy day care and school environments.

    Three primary differences exist between pink eye and eye allergies, including:

    • Pink eye is contagious, while eye allergies are not.
    • Pink eye often starts in one eye and spreads to the other, while most eye allergies affect both at the same time.
    • Eye allergies tend to cause more intense itching than pink eye.

    The two conditions are often confused because their symptoms are so similar. They both tend to produce red and watery eyes. Your eye allergy doctor diagnoses which one is causing your discomfort after a comprehensive eye examination. At New York-based Eye Physicians, pediatric eye doctors are experienced in dealing with both types of conjunctivitis in children.

    Who’s Most Likely to Experience Eye Allergies?

    Eye allergy specialists recognize that some people may be more likely than others to suffer from the discomfort of eye allergies.

    You might be a candidate if you have certain characteristics, such as:

    • A genetic disposition when one or more of your parents have eye allergies
    • Having seasonal nasal allergies
    • Spending long periods of time in environments with common allergens, such as when gardening or cleaning

    Whether your condition is inherited or impacted by outside forces, the reaction is often bothersome and painful. It can cause problems with simple daily tasks such as reading or using the computer. An eye allergy doctor helps you identify the triggers and prescribes the best eye allergy treatments.

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    What Are the Symptoms of Eye Allergies?

    People react to eye allergens in a variety of ways.

    The symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the individual and may include:

    • Swelling
    • Redness
    • Itching
    • Burning
    • Tearing
    • Grittiness
    • Blurry vision
    • Mucus discharge from the eye
    • Sensitivity to light

    If you also have nasal allergies associated with common triggers, symptoms in the eyes may be accompanied by:

    • Sneezing
    • Stuffiness
    • Coughing
    • Headache
    • A sore throat

    What Causes Eye Allergies or Allergic Conjunctivitis?

    Eye allergies are caused by a variety of factors. One place this occurs is in your environment.

    These allergens include:

    • Dust mites
    • Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
    • Mold spores
    • Smoke
    • Insect bites or stings
    • Pet dander

    You’re impacted by these allergens whether you’re outdoors or inside. In addition, some products are known to trigger an allergic reaction in your eyes.

    Often the triggering culprit in these items is a chemical used as a preservative in items such as:

    • Perfumes
    • Drugs
    • Cosmetics
    • Eye drops
    • Food

    What Can I Do to Avoid the Problems with Eye Allergies?

    Following a thorough exam and medical history, your eye allergy specialist confirms the diagnosis and determines which eye allergy treatments are needed.

    As part of your therapy, your eye allergy doctor recommends a variety of tips found helpful in preventing the onset of symptoms from eye allergies, such as:

    • Staying away from known triggers as much as possible
    • Washing hands regularly with soap and water
    • Avoiding touching your eyes
    • Keeping pets out of the bedroom
    • Washing bedding in hot water
    • Using allergen resistant covers for all your bedding
    • Closing windows during mold and pollen seasons
    • Using the air conditioner in your car and at home
    • Installing a home air purifier, particularly in the bedroom
    • Wearing sunglasses to avoid pollen getting in your eyes
    • Washing clothes frequently
    • Showering or bathing right before going to bed
    • Cleaning contact lenses regularly and changing solution daily

    Along with the eye allergy specialist, you often need to consult a general allergist as well. They perform skin tests and blood tests to find out which allergens are the cause of your symptoms. Armed with this information, you can more easily avoid the irritants which trigger the annoying reactions.

    What Are the Best Eye Allergy Treatments in Downtown Manhattan, NYC?

    The best treatments for allergic conjunctivitis in NYC are determined after a thorough examination by a qualified eye allergy doctor.

    These remedies might include:

    • Cold compresses to reduce swelling
    • Saline solutions that wash out allergens
    • Artificial tears to also wash out allergens
    • Decongestants recommended by your eye doctor to reduce redness
    • Antihistamines that relieve itching and burning
    • Mast-cell stabilizers prescribed as an eye allergy treatment to head off eye allergies
    • Corticosteroids to treat severe symptoms
    • Immunotherapy shots, which provide a course of small exposure to an allergen

    You often use a combination of therapies when treating eye allergies, whether they’re prescription or over the counter. The medication is typically in the form of a drop, ointment or pill. After initial treatment, your symptoms may go away completely, or you may need more to manage the discomfort.

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    Using eye drops or compresses typically provides only temporary relief, and some treatments cause side effects. If you live near New York City, contact the experienced eye allergy doctors at Eye Physicians. Their qualified team offers the latest eye allergy treatments in Downtown Manhattan to give you the relief, even in an eye emergency. A sensitive pediatric eye exam is available for your kids when they come to you with itchy, burning eyes or you see them rubbing their eyes constantly.

    Page Updated on Nov 6, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

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