Nasal and Occular Allergies

Nasal and ocular allergies, better known as hay fever and eye allergies, respectively, can make you miserable at certain seasons or year-round, depending on the cause. Julie Wendt, MD, and the team at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona, have helped many patients get long-lasting relief from their allergies with individualized treatments. If you need help with nasal or ocular allergies, schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment online or call Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives today.

What are nasal and ocular allergies?

Nasal allergies (hay fever or allergic rhinitis) develop in response to substances floating in the air. You may develop seasonal or perennial nasal allergies.

Seasonal nasal allergies are caused by pollen released from trees, grasses, and weeds at specific times during the year. Perennial allergies occur anytime because year-round allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores trigger them.

Ocular allergies (eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis) are often caused by the same airborne allergens as nasal allergies. You could also develop eye allergies in response to medications like antibiotics and proteins that accumulate on contact lenses.

What are the symptoms of nasal and ocular allergies?

Ocular allergies only affect your eyes, causing symptoms such as:

• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Swelling around your eyes
• Feeling that something is in your eye

Nasal allergies may cause symptoms in your nose and eyes, including:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Congested nose
• Postnasal drip
• Itchy nose and eyes
• Red, watery eyes
• Swelling around your eyes

Hay fever may also cause dark circles under your eyes.

How are nasal and ocular allergies diagnosed?

Your provider performs allergy testing, usually using a skin prick test. In addition to verifying your symptoms are caused by allergies rather than a problem like sinusitis, the test also accurately identifies the exact substances causing your allergies.

How are nasal and ocular allergies treated?

The experienced team at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives recommends individualized treatments based on the allergen and the severity of your symptoms. Nasal and ocular allergies have three primary treatments:

Avoiding allergens

After allergy testing identifies your allergens, your provider helps you create a plan to avoid them. Though many people find it challenging to avoid airborne allergens, your provider can recommend several steps to reduce exposure and improve your symptoms.

Medication

Medication-containing eye drops, nasal sprays, and oral tablets relieve most symptoms caused by nasal and ocular allergies.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy desensitizes your immune system by regularly introducing a small dose of your allergen into your body. Over time, your immune system gets used to the allergen and stops triggering allergic reactions.

Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives offers two types of immunotherapy: allergy shots and sublingual drops (placed under your tongue).

Call Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives today or request an appointment online if you need relief from nasal and/or ocular allergies.