About Allergies: Grass Pollen Season Causes Severe Eye Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies In Northern California, like alot of areas around the country, we've had a significant increase in the amount of grass pollen in the air recently. As a result, many people with grass allergy have had severe eye allergy symptoms these past few weeks. Seasonal eye allergies seem to be much worse than other allergic causes of eye allergies, especially those caused by tree and grass pollens. Many people have been running to their doctors these past few weeks for relief of their severe eye allergies; many find relief from pills, nasal sprays and eye drops. If you choose to use over-the-counter eye drops, be sure that you use the right kind; otherwise you might wind up with more problems than ever. Spring Eye Allergies Symptoms of eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, include watery, itchy, red, sore, swollen and stinging of the eyes. Itching of the eyes is the most important symptom of allergic conjunctivitis. Without itching, it is much less likely that a person is suffering from allergies of the eyes. Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops Certain kinds of over-the-counter eye drops can only be used for short periods of time. Most over-the-counter allergy eye drops contain topical decongestants, like those found in Visine (naphazoline), which should only be used for a few days at a time. When topical decongestants are used long-term, a medical condition called conjunctivitis medicamentosa can develop. Symptoms may include an increase in eye redness and irritation, with more dependence on the eye drop for relief. Using Nasal Steroid Sprays to Treat Eye Allergy Symptoms Allergists have actually known that nasal steroid sprays do help to treat allergic eye symptoms, although this has not become a big issue until recently. Since the approval of the topical steroid nasal spray Veramyst (fluticasone furoate), the manufacturer of this medication has touted the fact that this spray treats symptoms of allergic rhinitis as well as allergic conjunctivitis. Food Allergies Discussion of the most common types of food allergies, including symptoms, treatment and avoidance strategies. Rare forms of food allergies and non-allergic food intolerances are also described. Allergies Ads Allergies Symptoms Mold Allergies Allergies Treatment Skin Allergies Hayfever Allergies Featured Articles Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alle   More from About.com Disney Trip Planner Everything you need to plan the perfect Disney vacation -- from when to go and what to do, to saving money and picking a hotel. More > Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement