When you have allergies or believe you might have allergies, you typically go see either your primary care doctor or an allergist. Sometimes, though, the best medical professional to see about your allergies is actually an eye doctor. So, what are some signs you should see an eye doctor for your allergies?

The symptoms primarily affect your eyes

Some people have a whole range of allergy symptoms including sneezing, hives, and a runny nose. Other people just have a symptom or two. If you fall in the latter category and eye problems are really the only allergy symptoms you are having, then it's a good idea to see your eye doctor. If red, itchy, or watery eyes are your only symptoms, you may or may not actually be experiencing allergies as you presume. You could actually have an eye infection, or your allergy could be to something you're using in or around your eyes, like a contact lens solution. Your eye doctor tends to be the medical professional who is best equipped to consider all of these possibilities and come to an accurate diagnosis.

Your allergy medications aren't curing your eye symptoms

Maybe you've already been to an allergist or your primary care physician, and they prescribed you an allergy medication. It has cleared up a lot of your symptoms, but your eyes are still an issue. This is another situation in which you should see an eye doctor. They can analyze your symptoms and talk to you about the medications you're already using. From there, they may be able to prescribe some eye drops that are compatible with the other medications you're using, which can bring you relief from your lingering eye issues.

You think you may have a secondary infection

When your eyes are itchy and red from allergies, you may have a tendency to touch and rub them a lot. This can lead to a secondary infection. Symptoms include white or yellow eye discharge, excessive redness in and around your eyes, and trouble opening your eyes in the morning. If you suspect you may have an infection, see an eye doctor. They can not only give you antibiotics to clear up the infection, but also give you better strategies to deal with your allergies so you don't end up with more infections later on.

Sometimes, your eye doctor really is the one to see for allergies. Set up an appointment; relief is just around the corner.