Springtime Eye Allergies
Seasonal allergy sufferers are all too familiar with the itchy nose and sneezing that comes with a change of season. Some people suffer similar eye symptoms. Itchy, watery and red eyes could be a sign of seasonal ocular allergy, but before you grab that over the counter eye medication it might pay to get your eyes checked by an optometrist first.
There are many conditions that can cause the same symptoms are eye allergies – dry eye and conjunctivitis are the other common conditions that might cause irritation. As part of an examination, your optometrist will assess your symptoms and use an instrument called a “slit lamp” to work out exactly what your symptoms are caused from, so that you can get the appropriate treatment. This means if a drop is required, you will be using the one most likely to reduce your symptoms, rather than one that is inappropriate. Seeing your optometrist will also help rule rare but more serious eye problems that are “masquarading” as simple irritations.
