Schedule an appointment if your eye allergy symptoms are severe or don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments within a week. This is especially true if you experience vision changes.
Severe Allergy Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:
- Severe itching causing significant discomfort or affecting your sleep. Swelling of your eyelids or around your eyes that impairs vision. Blurred vision or other vision disturbances. Excessive tearing or discharge. Eye pain. Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
When to See a Doctor for Persistent Allergy Symptoms:
Your allergy symptoms haven’t improved after a week of using over-the-counter medications like azelastine eye drops or antihistamines. Over-the-counter medications provide only partial relief, and your symptoms still significantly impact your daily life. You suspect you may have a secondary infection in your eye, evidenced by increased pain, yellow discharge, or worsening symptoms. You have a known condition that interacts with eye allergies, such as dry eye syndrome or eczema.
A doctor can perform a thorough examination, diagnose the specific cause of your allergies, and recommend the most appropriate treatment strategy, which may include prescription eye drops, allergy shots, or other therapies.
Contact Lens Wearers:
If you wear contact lenses and experience any allergy symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and consult your doctor. Allergic reactions can worsen with contact lens wear and may lead to corneal complications.
