Ahh, spring is in the air. The grass is growing, the flowers are blooming, and your eyes are itching like crazy. For some people it is not just springtime that their eyes can be affected by allergies. Some people deal with it year round. The typical reaction for the eyes includes itching, redness, tearing, and swollen puffy eyelids.The reason for these symptoms is that people are having allergic reactions to something in their environment. The hard part can be trying to figure what is actually causing the reaction. This is where special testing is needed.
Allergy testing can be done using different forms of allergens that include plants, trees, flowers, animal dander or even food. Typically certain regions of the country will have their own options for testing. A plant or flower may grow in Connecticut but may not grow in Arizona. This is why it is important to use allergens from your local area to be tested instead of some from a far away region of the country.
There will be small samples of allergens that are placed on the tip of a plastic piece that will gently prick the skin. The area that is tested is on your arm. Once the allergens have pricked the skin you wait to see if a reaction will occur. If your body reacts to the allergen the response will create a small raised bump. The larger the bump the more reactive you are. The doctor will cross reference the areas that reacted and then you will have a panel of allergens you react to.
Allergy skin testing can be done at Solinsky Eyecare so if you would like to learn more on allergy testing or if you want to schedule an appointment to be tested call (860) 233-2020 today.