"It could permanently take away vision": Sofía Vergara's eye allergy, explained by an ophthalmologist.

Actress Sofía Vergara , one of the star guests at the latest Emmy Awards gala, was one of the notable absentees due to an allergic reaction to her eye that required her to go to the emergency room.

Specifically, the Colombian woman began to experience swelling, pain, and discomfort , as she explained on her Instagram account in a post in which she also shared several images showing her condition.

"Any agent is likely to cause irritation"

As Dr. Damian García Teillard, an ophthalmologist at Clínica Aiken, explains to 20minutos , there are several types of allergies that can cause similar symptoms in people: "It's important to differentiate between an allergy to a specific agent and a seasonal allergy," he begins.

"Any agent can cause eye irritation, whether through direct contact with the eye or a generalized allergic reaction: mites, animal hair, or even ingredients found in makeup and other cosmetics," she adds. "In the case of seasonal allergies, during certain times of the year, like spring, there is a higher amount of certain allergens like pollen in the environment, which causes allergies in susceptible people and can lead to eye irritation."

However, he clarifies that in both cases the symptoms vary widely , "from tearing, a foreign body sensation, or itching to pain or visual disturbances."

It can permanently remove vision.

Likewise, the consequences can vary in severity. "They range from simple eye irritation and a feeling of dryness or mild conjunctivitis ," explains García Teillard, "to more severe inflammations in which the conjunctiva (the part surrounding the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids) becomes edematous (swollen) and can form bumps known as papillary reactions, which are very bothersome and can cause pain ."

"In more severe cases," he continues, "ulcers or opacities/spots can develop on the cornea (the transparent, outermost part of the eye) that can temporarily or even permanently impair vision if not detected early."

For this reason, this expert insists on the importance of knowing how to act: "In the event of any eye irritation, or if we suspect that something may have entered and fallen into the eye, it is important not to rub it (as this can aggravate the inflammation or create ulcers) and, if possible, rinse it preferably with saline solution or running water if not available."

"The next step would be to consult an ophthalmologist or, if that's not possible at the time, go to an emergency room for an initial evaluation and then be referred to a specialist," he concludes.

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