Allergic Conjunctivitis: How Mold Affects Your Eyes
Did you know that mold allergies can affect your eyes as well as your sinuses? Mold is one of the main causes of allergic conjunctivitis, a common eye condition. If you have red, itchy, irritated eyes, mold might be the source of the problem. The experts at My Pure Environment explain more about allergic reactions to mold below.
How Does Mold Affect Your Eyes?
Like dust particles, mold spores are everywhere—they’re floating in the air. And when they get trapped on the surface of your eyes, you might even see them as “floaters.” However, if you are sensitive or allergic to mold, you could also develop allergy symptoms like itchy, red eyes and eyelids.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. When allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold spores get trapped under your eyelids they can make your eyes red and irritated.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis from mold include:
- Redness
- Itchy, burning, irritated eyes
- Watery discharge or mucus discharge
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Sinus headache
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
Some of the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are very similar to symptoms of pink eye, a prevalent eye infection. However, pink eye usually starts in one eye and then spreads to the other. Allergic conjunctivitis from mold affects both eyes at the same time. And, unlike pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Allergic Reactions to Mold
Do you constantly have red, itchy eyes? Do you often feel tired, or like you can’t concentrate, because your eyes are so irritated? If so, you might have chronic allergic conjunctivitis from prolonged exposure to mold. Allergy medications can help, but unless you get rid of the mold in your home, you’re going to continue to suffer.
About 25% of people are allergic to mold, and if you’re one of them, mold allergies could be affecting more than just your eyes. They also cause skin irritations, respiratory issues like coughing and shortness of breath, headaches and body aches, sinus problems, and more. A professional mold inspection could be your first step toward finding long-term relief.
Mold Remediation in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
If you have symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis from mold, you should definitely talk to your doctor. You should also schedule a free mold inspection with My Pure Environment. Our experts will inspect your home indoors and out, from top to bottom, and based on our findings we’ll offer advice on the next best steps for mold remediation. Give us a call at (509) 213-1915 or schedule an inspection online today.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/30/2022.
