Eye Allergies in Greenbelt & Bowie, MD

Eye allergies, also known as ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis, are very common. Close to 40 percent of the U.S. population have eye allergies, which means they suffer from itchy, swollen, watery, and red eyes along with their other allergy symptoms (sneezing, etc.). If you have eye allergies, your symptoms may be mild, causing you little frustration, or they may be severe, causing you serious discomfort. Thankfully, there are many easy and effective treatments to help ease any symptoms you have.

Doctor's Allergy

Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons is proud to offer our patients a new proprietary, FDA-approved diagnostic test called Doctor's Allergy, specifically for ocular allergies. Once we identify what you are allergic to, we can create a custom treatment protocol specific to your underlying allergies. If you suffer from ocular allergies, schedule an exam with one of our Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons board-certified ophthalmologists. We will determine if Doctor's Allergy is right for you and get you on your way to relief.

The most typical symptoms of ocular allergies are watery, itchy, red eyes. For many people, the symptoms of ocular allergies also affect the eyelids. The eyelids can also become itchy, swollen, and red. Patients whose eye allergies are severe can experience burning and/or sore eyes and light sensitivity.

Ocular allergies, or eye allergies, are simply your eyes reacting to the same things that trigger your other allergic reactions, such as sneezing or a runny nose. Most patients with eye allergies are reacting to pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and other common airborne allergens. Many patients can also have allergic eye reactions to perfumes, cigarettes, and makeup. If you are a candidate for our Doctor's Allergy test, we can determine exactly what your body is reacting to and create the best treatment plan for your situation.

As with any allergic reaction, the best way to prevent eye allergies is to limit your exposure to the allergen. However, it is sometimes very difficult to do this, especially if your allergy is to pollen and/or dust. If you are a contact lens wearer with allergies, it's best to use disposable contacts that you only use once. Airborne allergens can build up quickly on contacts, even if you wash them with a solution.

If you have been using over-the-counter eye drops, but they aren't working, you may need a prescription eye drop or medication, or you may have an infection rather than allergies. At Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we will perform a thorough eye exam, as well as the Doctor's Allergy test, to determine exactly what is causing your symptoms. Once we know the cause, we can prescribe the best eye drops or other medication for your condition.

Ocular (eye) allergy symptoms can be uncomfortable and quite frustrating. While there are some over-the-counter and home remedies that can provide some relief, many patients need prescription eye drops or medication. At Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our board-certified ophthalmologists will ensure that you receive the diagnosis and treatment you need for relief. Contact our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD office to schedule your eye exam.