Eye Allergies
Medical Author:
Parag A Majmudar, MD
Coauthor:
Lauri Graham
Medical Editor:
Richard W Allinson, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Robert H Graham, MD
Eye Allergies OverviewUp to 50 million Americans suffer from the miseries of allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, a clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is divided into several major subtypes, but the most common subtypes are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). SAC and PAC are triggered by an immune reaction involving a sensitized individual and an allergen. Simply stated, this means that if you are allergic to a particular substance and then come into contact with it, you experience an allergic reaction (eg, itching, sneezing). Although it frequently occurs, allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly seen in areas with high seasonal allergens. |
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Eye Allergies
Indoor Allergens Overview
Most people with asthma or hay fever or other outdoor allergies think of their home as a haven where they can escape their allergies. Unfortunately, houses and apartment buildings harbor their own allergens (agents that cause allergy symptoms). The inside of your home actually traps allergens, making them impossible to avoid.
- Although many allergens in your environment can trigger allergic symptoms, house dust is the main culprit in indoor allergies. What is house dust?
-
It varies depending on the type and age of your home, the temperature and
humidity in the home, what you keep in the home (everything from food to
clothes to furniture), and who lives in the home (human, pet animal, and
plant).
- Some dust is present in every home, regardless of how often or how thoroughly the house is cleaned.
- House dust is an airborne mixture that might contain fine particle...
-
It varies depending on the type and age of your home, the temperature and
humidity in the home, what you keep in the home (everything from food to
clothes to furniture), and who lives in the home (human, pet animal, and
plant).
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