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Ocular Allergy & Allergy Testing Specialist

Maryland Vision Center Our Services Ocular Allergy & Allergy Testing

Maryland Vision Center

Ophthalmologists & Eye Surgeons located in Frederick County, Frederick, MD

Itching, watery eyes are common with allergies. Fortunately, Maryland Vision Center offers patients ocular allergy testing and treatment. As a leading ophthalmologist in the Frederick and Baltimore areas, Dr. Thadani can help patients find relief from allergy eye problems.

Ocular Allergy & Allergy Testing Q & A


What Problems Do Allergies Cause for the Eyes?

Allergies affect a person’s eyes quite a bit and can cause extremely frustrating symptoms. At Maryland Vision Center, the ophthalmologist is trained to diagnose ocular allergies and provide allergy testing. The doctor can assist patients with obtaining long-term relief by helping them to identify their allergy triggers. Symptoms of allergy eyes include:

  • Swelling of eyelid
  • Tearing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Burning
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Nasal allergies can accompany eye allergies or a person’s eyes can be the only thing affected.

Why Do My Eyes Turn Red?

When pollen, dust, animal dander, or other allergens get near eyes, they become irritated. The cells in the eye release large amounts of histamines and similar chemical compounds. This causes inflammation and the eyes appear red.

How do you treat Allergic Eye Disease?

The doctor typically prescribes a medicated eye drop which contains antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and a decongestant. Antihistamines help to stop the histamine chemical reaction and ease itching. Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of more histamines and reduce inflammation. Oral medications can also be used and will be made up of similar ingredients. When the symptoms are especially bad, allergy injections can be used. These shots help the body to adapt to allergy triggers and stop producing such large amounts of histamine and other chemicals when exposed. They may take a while to show results, so other medications are used in conjunction for the first few months. The type of treatment used will depend on how severe the person’s allergic reaction is. To figure out what is best for you, contact the office.

ALLERGY TESTING

BENEFIT

Allergy testing provides a quick and easy way for professionals to discover potential causes of allergic reactions and allergy-related diseases whether the allergies are airborne, skin based or food allergies. The test reports include reference ranges along with a suggested treatment plan. When compliance is high, patients report improvement in symptoms and elimination of long-standing health issues.

TESTING INCLUDES:

High quality, standardized antigens from licensed American manufactures. Very user-friendly results. Prompt and quick turnaround time. Automated laboratory processes that ensure efficiency from the time the sample is received to the time the result is reported. Consistent automation and tracking for the most accurate assay results.

SKIN AND AIRBORNE

An allergy skin test is used to identify the substances that are causing your allergy reactions. The allergy test is done by using a simple "scratch" technique - which involves a painless scratch on the surface of the skin and introducing a small amount of allergen extract to create a reaction (inducing an IgE reaction). Offending allergens produce a wheal (a raised, red area similar to a mosquito bite) in varying sizes depending on the severity of the reaction.


 
IMMEDIATE ONSET: IGE

Immediate onset, occurs rapidly with the ingestion or inhalation of an allergen and is referred to as immediate hypersensitivity reaction, and is characterized by the release of histamine upon exposure to the allergen. IgE mediated hypersensitivities can be life threatening and occur in approximately 20% of the population. IgE is produced in response to an allergen/antigen and binds to the mast cells and basophils.

DELAYED ONSET

IgG antibodies are produced for several hours or days after exposure to an allergen and are called Type III delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Immune complexes activate a portion of the immune system known as complement and cytokines. This process takes anywhere from several hours to several days, which is why hypersensitivity reactions are delayed. Depending on which tissues are involved, deposition of IgG-Antigen complexes may result in a variety of health concerns.

Insurance Information

We work with many different insurance providers, please contact our office for more information.

AARP
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Blue Cross
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (Florida Blue)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina