How to protect your eyes from monsoon allergies

With monsoon comes eye allergies. Dr Minal Kanhere, ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in Chembur, Mumbai, explains how to prevent and treat them.

A season of allergies: The monsoon is linked with increased incidence of eye allergies, especially among children. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs mainly due to rising humidity and dust or pollen carried by wind. When the eyes are exposed to these allergy triggers, the body releases histamine. This causes the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, or the outermost layer of the eye, to swell. The common symptoms are itching, watering, discharge, redness, puffy eyes and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. The itching sensation, if severe, could lead to many children developing a habit of rubbing their eyes.

Chronic rubbing of eyes: Chronic rubbing of eyes may cause a sight-threatening corneal condition known as keratoconus or conical cornea. Chronic allergies or vernal keratoconjunctivits may also threaten the cornea; so it’s important to manage this condition effectively.

Simple remedies can work: The best strategy is to avoid the allergic triggers as much as possible, but that may not always be feasible. Some easy remedies include using lubricating eye drops, applying cool compresses to the eyes, taking over-the-counter oral anti-histamines or decongestant eye drops. If these remedies do not work, see an eye specialist.

Treatment: Your eye doctor will prescribe anti-allergic eye drops that reduce itching, swelling and redness. Sometimes, a short tapering course of mild steroid eye drops may be prescribed—but under observation since these drops may increase intraocular pressure. While the symptoms can be managed well with such treatment, long-term persisting problems may require aggressive management. The most important takeaway is to completely avoid rubbing the eyes as not only does it lead to more and more itching but it also damages the cornea.

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