May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

Red, Watery Eyes from Seasonal Allergies Can Be Soothed

Towson, MD, (May 13, 2008) – Are you sneezing and congested? Are your eyes watery and red? Perhaps you have seasonal allergies. For the 35 million Americans who have seasonal allergies, rising pollen counts in the spring and summer bring symptoms that can ruin a time of year the rest of us enjoy immensely. Allergy symptoms are not only annoying, but for many people interfere with their ability to work, perform at school, or even sleep.

Just like hay fever and skin rashes, eye allergies develop when the body's immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something that is ordinarily harmless. An allergic reaction can occur whenever that "something" - called an allergen - comes into contact with your eyes. The allergen causes certain cells in the eye (called mast cells) to release histamine and other substances or chemicals that cause blood vessels in the eyes to swell, and the eyes to become itchy, red and watery.

For contact lens wearers, allergy season can present a more difficult predicament. Airborne allergens can get on your lenses, causing discomfort. Allergens can also stimulate the excessive production of natural substances in your eyes, which bind to your contacts and also become uncomfortable.

"It is important that patients recognize these symptoms as allergies," says Dr. Brett Katzen of Katzen Eye Group. "Eye drops are available with antihistamines, decongestants or cell stabilizers that can quickly alleviate the allergic reaction. Seasonal allergies are difficult to avoid, and with eye drops it can make this season bearable."

For additional information on runny, tearing eyes and how to help these allergies contact Katzen Eye Group at 443-632-2895.