Pet dander and dust often cause allergies, but other allergens might affect you, too. Although pollen commonly causes allergies, you could have a reaction to a specific type of plant, such as a tomato plant. Allergy eye symptoms occur from the airborne allergens, but you might also exhibit symptoms if you touch the tomato plant then rub your eyes. Knowing signs of an allergy may help you detect a problem early and determine if the plant caused your symptoms.
Symptoms
If you experience a reaction from a tomato plant, you will typically see symptoms appear within a short time after exposure to the plant. The time for symptoms to appear will vary, typically depending on the severity of your reaction. For example, you may have symptoms immediately with a severe reaction; it could take an hour for symptoms to appear with a mild allergy.
Possible symptoms include eyelid swelling, redness and irritation. You may also have watery eyes and itching.
Treatment
Eye allergy symptoms will typically improve after using an allergy eye drop or oral medication. Depending on the severity of your reaction and other health factors, your doctor may prescribe an eye drop, or she may recommend an over-the-counter allergy medication.
Try holding a cool, damp cloth against your closed eyelids; this may help soothe inflamed eyelids as well as offer some minor relief from itching.
Prevention
If you know you will be working in the garden or come into contact with a tomato plant for other reasons, your doctor will most likely recommend that you take a preventative dose of your oral medication or the allergy eye drops. In the case of severe reactions, your doctor may recommend that you use both the drop and the pill.
Consider wearing safety glasses or other protective eyewear if only your eyes react to the plant. This will prevent pollen and other tomato plant matter from reaching your eyes. Wash your hands after contact with the plant and avoid rubbing your eyes to help prevent direct contact.
Considerations
Tell your doctor if you experience allergy eye symptoms. Signs of allergies may also indicate other eye conditions such as an eye infection; your doctor can evaluate your eyes to determine the cause. She can also perform tests on your skin that will help determine if you do have an allergic reaction to tomato plants.
If your symptoms worsen or you experience problems with your vision, inform your doctor immediately, since this could indicate a serious complication that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to your eyes.
