- email: contact@annecy-ophtalmo.fr
- 645 Route de Champ Farçon, 74370 Argonay
- Call us: +33 450230323
Eye allergies
Itching, watering, red and swollen eyes in spring or at home: eye allergies are very common. They are benign in most cases but can become disabling and, in some forms, threaten the cornea.
Symptoms
The suggestive sign is itching. Clear watering, swollen eyelids, redness in both eyes and sometimes stringy discharge also occur. Vision remains normal; pain or reduced vision should instead prompt a consultation.
Causes
Pollen (seasonal form), dust mites, animal hair, mould (year-round form), but also make-up, contact lenses or eye drops. In children, more severe forms (vernal keratoconjunctivitis) affect the cornea.
What to do
Avoid rubbing your eyes (rubbing worsens inflammation and may weaken the cornea over time, particularly in keratoconus), rinse with saline, apply cool compresses, wear sunglasses outdoors, and wash hair and linen. Anti-allergy or anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed according to the form.
When to seek advice
If you have pain, reduced vision, a severe form in a child, persistent symptoms, or if you wear contact lenses (see contact lens care). An allergist's opinion sometimes complements the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my contact lenses in?
During a flare-up, it is better to stop wearing them and wear glasses. Resume according to your ophthalmologist's advice.
Are over-the-counter eye drops risk-free?
Some may cause irritation or mask another disease; seek advice, especially if redness is painful.
Is desensitisation possible?
It is provided by an allergist and may improve seasonal forms.
Learn more
Our doctors
- Dr Florian Baudincornea, refractive surgery, cataracts, glaucoma, medical retina
- Dr Karim Aouadcontact lenses, vision assessments
- Dr Patrice Moyeninmedical retina, vision assessments
On the website
Sources and external information
In the event of sudden loss of vision or pain, see eye emergencies.
Your ophthalmologist answers your questions during the consultation. For a sudden symptom or sudden loss of vision, seek advice promptly: see the eye emergencies page.
Our practices
Annecy-Argonay
645 route de Champ Farçon, 74370 Argonay
Faverges
27 place Gambetta, 74210 Faverges
Rumilly
5 rue Frédéric Girod, 74150 Rumilly
Sallanches
35 rue Emma Lanche, 74700 Sallanches
04 50 23 03 23Book an appointmentDirections and parkingReception Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm