Eye Allergies
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Eye Allergies Overview
Up 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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Allergic Reaction Overview
An allergic reaction is the body's way of responding to an "invader." When the body senses a foreign substance, called an antigen, the immune system is triggered. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and toxins. Its overreaction to a harmless substance (an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity reaction, or an allergic, reaction.
- Anything can be an allergen. Common dust, pollen, plants, medications, certain foods, insect venoms, animal dander, viruses, or bacteria are examples of allergens.
- Reactions may occur in one spot, such as a small skin rash or itchy eyes, or all over, as in a whole body rash.
- A reaction may include one or several symptoms.
In rare cases, an allergic reaction can be life-threatening (known as anaphylaxis). Each year in the United States, over 400 people die from anaphylactic reactions to penicillin, and ne...
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