Allergies to ragweed and other pollens cause millions of Americans discomfort.
Pollens are often the culprits behind allergic eye irritation, but there are other causes too.
Allergic reactions to drugs, for example, may cause the eyes to itch and swell. The eyelids and the conjunctive are the ones easily affected in an allergic reaction. Inflammation of the conjunctive caused by an allergy is called allergic conjunctivitis. As such, allergic reactions are an important part of the body's immune defense system. When you are allergic to something, your body's defenses react and produce potent chemicals such as histamine.