The Itchy and Scratchy Eye Show
Tis the season for watery, itchy, puffy, and red eyes. Every year during this time all doctors across this great land get an influx of folks suffering from the Itchy and Scratchy Show. Eye symptoms are caused by the same irritants that cause sneezing and a runny nose among seasonal allergy sufferers.
By the Numbers
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that:
- 50 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies, and its prevalence is increasing.
- 30 percent of those are adults.
- 40 percent are children.
In addition to having symptoms of sneezing, congestion and a runny nose, most of these allergy sufferers also experience itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes and swollen eyelids.
- The most common airborne allergens that cause eye allergies are pollen, mold, dust and pet dander aka Cat Hugs.
- Eye allergies also can be caused by reactions to certain cosmetics or eye drops, including artificial tears used for treating dry eyes that contain preservatives, this is the big reason our team of doctors always recommend abstaining from “bottled” eye drops during this time period and switching over to a non-preserved lubricant like Oasis Tears.