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Article: Ocular Allergies; Key Q&A.
- Article from:
- NWHRC Health Center - Ocular Allergies
- Article date:
- March 16, 2005
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* What are ocular allergies?
Common things in the environment such as dust or pollen irritate some peoples' eyes. These substances are called "allergens," and they can cause symptoms such as itching and swelling in the eyes. This reaction is usually centered in a part of the eye called the conjunctiva, which becomes inflamed when triggered by a substance that a person is especially sensitive to. An ocular allergy can happen suddenly or some time after you come in contact with the allergen.
The most common form of ocular allergy is seasonal conjunctivitis. When a susceptible person is exposed to allergens from the environment, such as pollens in the fall ...