Medical Treatment For Eye Allergies
Lots of over-the-counter meds, like allergy or antihistamine eye drops as well as antihistamines you take by mouth, can help against mild allergies. Follow the directions on the packages exactly.
Prescription eye drops usually work well, and most donât have side effects. Many of them are taken twice a day, and can be used to prevent an allergic reaction. Some common ones include:
Avoid Exposure To Allergens
The best way to avoid itchiness in your eyes is to avoid exposure to common allergens you can be sensitive to. Stay indoors and keep the windows closed in the allergy season when the pollen count is highest. Keep your room air-conditioned because ac filters can trap different allergens and filter out pollen and mold spores. You can wear wraparound sunglasses to help protect your eyes from itchiness if you go out in allergy season.
Antihistamine Pills And Eye Drops
Antihistamine pills and liquids work by blocking histamine to relieve watery, itchy eyes. They include cetirizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , or loratadine , among others. Some may cause drowsiness.
Antihistamine eye drops work well for itchy, watery eyes. You may need to use them several times a day, but donât use the over-the-counter kinds for more than 2-3 days. Prescription kinds include azelastine hydrochloride , cetirizine ophthalmic , emedastine difumarate , levocabastine , and olopatadine .
They are often combined with other kinds of drops, including some that shrink swollen blood vessels in your eye. You shouldnât use these kinds of drops, called or âget the red outâ drops, for more than a few days at a time. They can also lead to a rebound redness if used too frequently. Donât use them at all if you have glaucoma.
Over-the-counter antihistamines include ketotifen fumarate .
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Home Remedies And Lifestyle
Try some of these solutions:
- Avoid what causes your itchy eyes.If allergies are what provoke your itchiness, then try to avoid your allergy triggers. If pollen causes an eye allergy flare, try to avoid going outdoors during mid-morning or early evening, when pollen counts tend to be highest.
- Follow any instructions from your eye doctor on how to clean and store your contact lenses. Poor contact lens hygiene can make your lenses more irritating and can lead to an infection.
- Cleanse your eyelids if you have blepharitis. Daily cleaning of your eyelids with water and baby shampoo can help to treat blepharitis.
- Use a cold compress. This simple remedy can easily soothe itchy eyes. Immerse a clean washcloth in cool water, and place it over your eyes. Relax for 10 minutes. Reapply as needed.
- Rest your eyes every 20 minutes if you are focusing on something intently, such as reading or using the computer. When you take a break, focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Effective Ways To Treat Itchy Eyes Naturally At Home
The word Itchy Eyes suggests a displeasing sensation in the eyes or sometimes around the eyes as well. Ocular Pruritus is the medical word used for itchy eyes. The itchy eye is a common problem related to eyes these days. Its mostly due to the highly polluted environment we are living in or an increase in the allergy seasons.
If you are interested in discovering more useful information on itchy eyes, all you have to do is keep on reading this article. In the paragraphs below, you will be able to read about the most common itchy eyes causes and the steps you can take, in order to treat such problems in a natural manner. And, remember, itchy red eyes can lead to a high level of discomfort, so you need to seek out treatment as soon as it possible.
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When Should You Call A Doctor For Dry Eyes
You should call your doctor if your eyes are itchy, red, and irritated for a long period of time. You should also contact your doctor if you experience blurred or sudden decreased vision or if you have pain in your eyes.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, to determine whats bothering your eyes. The specialist will usually conduct a thorough examination of your eyes. They will likely measure the volume of your tears. They may also measure how quickly your tears evaporate from the surface of your eye.
Treatment is aimed at restoring a normal amount of tears in your eyes. You can typically care for your dry eyes at home with over-the-counter drugstore treatments.
What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis
Red, burning, itching, tearing eyes are the main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The condition affects millions of Americans. More than one-third of children suffer from allergies. About 30% to 50% of children who have one parent with allergies will develop allergies. About 60% to 80% of children who have two allergic parents will develop allergies. Sufferers can feel downright miserable. Allergies cause fatigue, difficulties performing everyday activities, and may interfere with sleep. The condition may occur year round or seasonally. People who suffer may have dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners. There are different types of allergic conjunctivitis and different triggers. Effective treatment depends on the type the patient has as well as identifying their unique triggers.
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Dont Wear Your Contacts
If you are prone to allergy-related eye irritation, stop wearing your contacts for the first month or so of spring weather. While contacts do not cause allergy symptoms, they can aggravate any symptoms that do appear.
To prepare for switching to full-time glasses use, you may want to schedule an eye exam. This exam presents a good opportunity for you to check that your glasses prescription is current and to make any necessary updates to maintain your comfort and vision quality.
Eye Drops For Dry Eyes
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Dealing with dry eyes
Dry eyes can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. Being outside on a windy day or staring too long at your computer without blinking can dry out your eyes. You may also experience the discomfort of dry eyes due to a health problem or a new medication youre using. When you find yourself dealing with the burning sensation of dry eyes, all you want is a little relief.
Fortunately, there are a variety of eye drops that can provide instant help. There are also some products you should probably avoid in favor of those that are safer and more effective. Before reading about the best drops for your eyes, take a moment to learn what causes dry eyes and what you should look for in those soothing eye drops.
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What Is The Prognosis Of Eye Allergies
The prognosis is favorable for most patients with eye allergies. Typically symptoms clear up quickly with OTC/home treatment or when the offending allergen is not present any more. Unfortunately the symptoms may reoccur depending on the cause of the eye allergy. Health complications are very rare, but medical attentions should be sought immediately for any pain or vision loss that occurs or for symptoms that do not resolve within 12 hours.
Why The Itchy Watery Eyes
When allergens reach the surface of the eye, cells that are part of our immune system release histamine, causing inflammation of the eye tissues and specifically in the conjunctiva the mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and under the eyelids. This process leads to the swelling and itching symptoms of eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis.
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Causes Of Eye Allergies
That layer of skin covering the front of your eyes? Itâs the same type of skin that lines the inside of your nose. Because these two areas are so similar, the same things can trigger allergic reactions in both places.
Common triggers include:
- Dust
- Pet dander
If you have seasonal allergies, you generally have symptoms for a short time. You may be bothered in the spring by tree pollen, in the summer by grass pollen, or in the fall by weed pollen. The symptoms tend to clear up during other times of the year, especially in the winter.
If you have “perennial allergies,” your symptoms probably last all year. You’re likely allergic to indoor things, like dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander. Seasonal outdoor allergens may make things worse if youâre sensitive to them, too.
Eye Allergy Treatment And Tips
The best way to treat eye allergies is to mitigate exposure to the allergens causing the issue. This can be especially true if you have seasonal allergies. Try to limit time outdoors when pollen is at its peak, and clean your air filters in the fall and winter to help prevent cold-weather allergies.
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Triggers: What Causes Red Eyes
Red eyes may occur when someone is exposed to their triggers. These triggers may differ from person to person. Pollen, dog and cat dander, dust mites, and mold are just a few potential eye allergy triggers. When a susceptible person is exposed to these allergens, a substance called histamine is released. Histamine and other inflammatory compounds are responsible for itchy eyes, watery eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Eye drops are available that reduce redness. They may or may not contain compounds that act as antihistamines and relieve itching, too. Red eyes that may be mistaken for pink eye are a common symptom of eye allergies.
How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies A Cold And Covid
Allergies impact the upper airways causing nasal decongestion, itchy eyes, and runny nose. You might experience a cough, which is due to increased drainage of mucus down to the back of your throat. COVID-19 affects the lower airways in the lungs, and symptoms include a dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, and loss of taste, none of which are symptoms of allergies.;
The highest degree of overlap of symptoms of an infection to allergies is with a cold, because both cause the release of the chemical histamine, explains Dr. Elliott. The key way to differentiate is that allergies never cause a fever or swollen lymph nodes, and both of those symptoms would signify an infection. Additional symptoms typical of allergies would be headache and fatigue, but not muscle aches or pains.
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Rubbing Makes Eye Allergies Worse
Red, itchy eyes can be so uncomfortable, it’s tempting to rub or scratch. As much as you may want to, try to keep your hands away. Rubbing will only make symptoms worse by triggering the release of more inflammatory chemicals. Refrain from wearing eye makeup that might irritate eyelids. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Apply cold compresses over the area to help relieve symptoms. Wash your hands often to minimize introducing dirt or allergic substances into sensitive eyes.
Best Overall: Bausch + Lomb Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops
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May sting or burn with application
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Cant be used while contacts are in eye
Are you sick of hearing about ketotifen yet? Sorry, but weve got one more for you. Lots of eye allergy sufferers swear by Zaditor, which contains this antihistamine powerhouse and relieves your symptoms for 12 hours with just one drop.
If you have watery eyes, you should be looking for a product with an antihistaminetheyre known for their ability to dry up mucus, which is why they are so good at stopping runny noses and post-nasal drip. For watery eyes, an antihistamine can reduce all those excess tears caused by environmental allergens.;
Zaditor can help with everything from seasonal pollen to dry air in office buildings, providing both immediate and long-lasting relief. They can be used indefinitely without any rebound effect and are safe for use with contacts, too .;
Active Ingredients: Ketotifen 0.025% | Dosage: 1 drop in affected eye twice per day or every 8-12 hours
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Allergy Eye Drops Vs Allergy Drops
When doing a quick online search, you may find confusing information about allergy drops and allergy eye drops because of their similar names. Heres the difference:
Allergy eye drops: Temporarily treat just eye allergy symptoms by placing a drop in your eye
Allergy drops: Treat the underlying cause of allergy by placing a liquid dose containing specific amounts of the allergens youre allergic to under the tongue to retrain the immune system
For more information about allergy drops, or to find a provider near you offering this treatment, visit our website.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
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Find Relief From Itchy Eyes At Last
Get help from the expert doctors at Advanced ENT & Allergy Center to find lasting relief from itchy eyes. Our specialists have helped Colorado residents get rid of their dry, red, itchy eye symptoms for decades. Make an appointment today to stop itchy irritation and start seeing with happy, healthy eyes.
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How Is The Cause Of Itchy Eyes Diagnosed
If youve noticed that your eyes are itchy at night, you may want to visit your doctor or ophthalmologist. After explaining your symptoms, your doctor will ask for your medical history and give you a physical exam.
Patch tests can be useful with diagnosing allergies. Your doctor may also examine your eyelids and swab your skin to test any oil or crust that has accumulated. It may be helpful for you to write down anything in your nightly routine that might be triggering your itching. You can share this information with your doctor to help with diagnosis.
The treatment for itchy eyes at night depends on the underlying cause.
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Nosh On Berries To Fight Histamine Release
A flavonoid called quercetin which is present in blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries and which gives them their trademark color can stop your body from producing and releasing histamine. One study even found that when people took a quercetin glycoside 4 weeks before pollen counts became high in the atmosphere, they experienced relief from symptoms such as itching and watering of the eyes caused by cedar pollen.12 So start snacking on yummy berries before pollen season gets here to beat your eye allergy.13
Other Causes Of Itchy Eyes
Irritants are another common cause of itchy eyes. Typically if your dry, itchy eyes are caused by a specific irritant or foreign object in the eye, symptoms will only be temporary and will subside once your eyes are no longer in contact with the irritant. Whether its an eyelash, a piece of dirt, a pet hair or another small object, the bodys response to the unfamiliar irritant is often swelling, watering, and itching to try and flush out the item.
Contact lenses that do not fit correctly or bother your eyes can also cause irritation and swelling in the eyes, even sometimes leading to bumps on the inside of your eyelids. This irritation can make your eyes sensitive, dry, itchy and red even after you are no longer wearing your contacts.
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Rinse Out The Swollen Eyes
Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and thats usually helpful. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out.
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How Can I Find Relief From My Itchy Allergy Eyes
Allergy symptoms in the eyes theyre not something to scratch at. Called allergic conjunctivitis, some allergy sufferers experience a variety of symptoms in their eyes during allergy season. For those with indoor allergies, allergic conjunctivitis can stick around all year. Learn more about eye allergy symptoms and ways to prevent the itch and irritation in this blog.
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What Are Eye Allergy Symptoms And Signs
Typical symptoms associated with eye allergies include inflammation of the conjunctiva that is caused by a reaction to allergens. The inflammation causes enlargement of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva , resulting in a red or bloodshot appearance of the eyes. These allergy symptoms can range from very mild redness to severe swelling associated with discharge.
Tips To Ease Swollen Eyes
Remember, these are your eyes were talking about, so check with your doctor or ophthalmologist before you try any treatment. But if you’re looking for relief, consider the following home remedies and medical interventions.
Wash your face.;Washing your face is one of the first things you should do to combat itchy, swollen eyes, says Ogbogu. It can help wash away the allergens sticking to your skin and eyelashes.
Rinse out the eyes.;“Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and that’s usually helpful,” Ogbogu says. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out.
Apply a cold compress.;“Cold compresses around the eyes can be helpful with itching and swelling,” says Ogbogu. Soak a towel or washcloth in cold water or refrigerate a damp cloth or eye pillow. Then lie down with the compress across your eyes to let the coolness reduce swollen eyelids.
Try allergy eye drops.;Ogbogu suggests trying an over-the-counter eye drop made to soothe itchy, swollen eyes caused by allergies. An ophthalmologist might prescribe an antihistamine eye drop. The AAO cautions that using these drops for more than three days may actually increase irritating symptoms.
Mast cell stabilizer eye drops can also be effective, preventing the release of histamines in your body. Unlike antihistamines, these need to be administered before exposure to an allergen in order to prevent itching, notes the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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