Eye Allergies in The Villages, FL

What are eye allergies?

Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, happen when the eyes react to a trigger. Triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, medicines and cosmetics. They can make your eyes red, itchy and watery.

Allergic pink eye is not contagious from person to person. It can happen seasonally when pollen is high, or year-round with indoor triggers such as dust mites and pet dander.

Symptoms

You may have itchy eyes, redness, watery eyes or swelling. Many people also sneeze or have a runny nose.

Who is at risk?

Eye allergies are more common in people who have other allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma or eczema.

Triggers can be outdoors, like pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, or indoors, like dust mites and pet dander. Telling your doctor when your symptoms flare helps pinpoint the cause.

What an eye allergy visit looks like

When you come in for Eye Allergies in The Villages, first tell us when your symptoms flare. For example, say whether they come with a season, a pet or a certain room. Then Dr. Russell looks at your eyes and lids, and he asks what makes symptoms better or worse. This helps separate allergy from infection or dry eye.

Also bring a list of your medicines and any eye drops, because some medicines can irritate the eyes. If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens case and your usual wearing schedule.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask whether your red eyes come from allergy, infection or dryness. You can also ask which medicines may ease your symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, ask whether to change your wearing plan during a flare-up. In addition, ask which triggers to watch for, so you can plan around them.

What helps

Your doctor can talk with you about avoiding triggers and about medicines that may ease symptoms. Rubbing your eyes can make irritation worse, so try to avoid it. If you wear contact lenses, ask whether to change your wearing plan during a flare-up.

A painful eye, light sensitivity or a vision change is not typical of allergy. Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Everyday tips

Because telling the cause helps, keep a short note of when your eyes act up. For example, write down the day, where you were and what you touched. Then bring the note to your visit, so we can look for patterns together. Also avoid rubbing your eyes, even when they itch. If you have hay fever, asthma or eczema, mention it, because allergies often travel together.

Help With Eye Allergies in The Villages

Our care for Eye Allergies in The Villages is a medical eye visit. Itchy and red eyes are visits Dr. Russell sees. He examines the eye, checks that it is not an infection, and recommends relief that fits your case. If your care needs more, we refer you to a trusted specialist and co-manage your care. We also adjust contact lens plans for allergy season.

Call (352) 399-5412 or request an appointment at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

How do I tell allergies from pink eye?

Pink eye can be caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergy. Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious, allergic pink eye is not. An exam can sort it out.

Can I wear contacts with eye allergies?

Often, with adjustments. Your doctor can advise you on lenses during allergy season.

Are eye allergies contagious?

No. Allergic pink eye does not spread from person to person.