What Is The Best Allergy Medication For Itchy Eyes

How We Rated Eye Drops For Allergies

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best eye drops for allergies we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These eye drops for allergies are excellentthey might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great eye drops for allergies, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These eye drops for allergies are just average.

3.4 and below: We dont recommend eye drops for allergies with this rating you wont find any on our list.

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Why Do My Eyes Water

Before we talk about what can cause your watery eyes, lets understand how your eyes and tears work. Tears are made in the tear glands to help clear stuff out from your eyes and to keep your vision clear. Ideally your tears help protect the front surface of your eyeballs and are just thick enough to clear dirt and particles off your eye. Once tears are produced, they drain into small tubes called the tear ducts towards a temporary storage place called the tear sac. Now that we have a better understanding of this process, lets explore what can cause watery eyes.

Home Remedies Can Help To Reduce Fluid In The Ears

There are a few different home remedies that can help to reduce the amount of fluid in the ears. One is to place a warm, wet cloth over the ear for a few minutes to help loosen the fluid. Another is to place a few drops of olive oil or baby oil into the ear to help lubricate the ear and reduce the amount of fluid.

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List Of Top 10 Best Allergy Medicine For Itchy Eyes And Runny Nose In Detailed

• 240 Sprays, 1 FL OZ GLass Bottle

• This package includes 10-Tablets of 10mg of Loratadine for Fast Acting and Strong 24 Hour Relief of annoying Flu Symptoms brought on by Seasonal Allergies.
• XL-3 Allergy Medicine is one of the best Medicines to fight against Seasonal Allergies and Non-Drowsy Fast Acting Relief from Allergies like Sneezing, Runny Nose, Itchy & Watery Eyes, or Itchy Throat and Nose.
• These Allergy Medicine Capsules by XL-3 is 24 Hour Non-Drowsy help to provide relief as reducing Sneezing, Runny Nose, or other symptom brought on by Indoor and Outdoor Allergies.
• Whether you have an Itchy Throat, Watery Eyes, Running Nose, Sneezing, or anything Allergy Symptoms then nothing is stronger and more valued medicine than XL-3 Allergy Medicine.
• Please use as directed and consult with a physician for any questions towards this product and its ability to provide relief of any symptoms associated with the common cold, sinus infection, or Cough and Cold Relief.

Best For Natural: Similasan Allergy Eye Relief Drops

Courtesy of Amazon

• Can be used as needed

• May not be strong enough for severe allergies

• Possibility of allergic reaction to natural ingredients

For anyone wanting to treat eye allergies naturally, without medications, preservatives, or other chemicals, Similasan offers an eye drop containing gentle, non-irritating ingredients. These allergy relief drops treat red, itchy, stinging, and watery eyes.

Because the ingredients are natural, you can use the drops as needed without worrying about side effects or rebound symptoms. They contain three primary botanical extracts that work to tackle your symptoms naturally. The company advises wearers to check with a doctor first before using this product with contact lenses.

Price at time of publish: $7

Active Ingredients: None | Dosage: 2 to 3 drops in affected eye as needed

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When Should You See A Healthcare Provider For Itchy Eyes

Itchy eye symptoms dont usually need medical attention. And many people with mild allergies can control their symptoms by simply avoiding allergens or by using an OTC medication.

However, this isnt always the case. You should consider seeing a healthcare provider for testing and treatment as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Any noticeable symptoms if you wear contact lenses

Treats Inflammation And Swelling

Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation that is associated with allergies. These medications primarily treat and prevent allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis. They work quickly and limit the bodys histamine creation, preventing the allergic response that leads to problematic symptoms like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, an itchy or sore throat, or postnasal drip. Steroids can work well for treating hay fever, seasonal and year-round allergies.

Steroids are considered highly effective, but they must be taken regularly, even when no symptoms are experienced, to work well. Like many subscription or OTC allergy medications, it can take several weeks before the full relief from the medicine is felt.

Systemic steroids are available as pills or liquids for serious allergies and asthma but are also common as nasal sprays or inhalers. They can also be used as a topical cream for skin allergies to relieve hives and swelling. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays to help with year-round allergies. Nasal steroids like Corticosteroid medications can take longer to kick in than antihistamines, but most healthcare providers consider them to be the most effective way to combat nasal allergies. Many, but not all, of these steroid treatments require a prescription.

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Best For Itchy Eyes: Alcon Pataday Once Daily Relief

Courtesy of Amazon

• One application needed per day

• Contains antihistamine ingredient

• Approved for use in kids over two years old

• You cant reapply if it wears off

• May not work as well as ketotifen

If you need an antihistamine for your eye allergies, the last thing you want is one that irritates your eyes even more before it starts working. If you havent had success with ketotifen-based eye drops, you may want to try one containing olopatadine, like Pataday. Dr. Franzese says this ingredient typically doesnt sting as much as some others.

Like Alaway, the antihistamine in Pataday targets itching and other allergic symptoms caused by grass, pollen, ragweed, and animals. Its perfect for people who work all day around their allergy triggers, since it lasts 16 hours and only needs to be used once a day .

Price at time of publish: $13

Active Ingredients: Olopatadine 0.2% | Dosage: 1 drop in affected eye once daily

What Is The Treatment For Dry Eye

Artificial tears lubricant eye drops are the main treatment for dry eye. They can keep the eye moist and reduce symptoms. You can buy artificial tears at a drug store or grocery store without a prescription. They come in liquid, gel or ointments. Preservative-free artificial tears are best for long-term use, but they are more expensive.

Other things you can do to help improve dry eye include:

• Try to blink a lot, especially when you are reading or using a computer. This helps keep your eyes moist.
• Avoid excess air conditioning or heating as much as you can. Also avoid sitting directly in the flow of cold or hot air.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom and any other space where you spend a lot of time.
• Use goggles or moisture chambers if your doctor or nurse suggests them. Moisture chambers are special devices that fit on your glasses. They can help keep your eyes moist. You can buy moisture chambers at most stores that sell glasses.

Additional treatments include prescription eye drops and anti-inflammatory medicines. If these are not successful, tear duct plugs or surgery that requires the assistance of an ophthalmologist may be recommended.

Many people with difficult-to-control dry eye struggle with wearing contact lenses and may need to stop using them for as long as symptoms persist.

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Side Effects And Risks

As with any medicine, you should always follow the recommended instructions on the label. You shouldnât use over-the-counter eyedrops for more than 2 to 3 days. If you use them for longer than that, it can make matters worse.

If you have an eye infection or glaucoma, you shouldnât use eyedrops. Talk to your doctor about other options.

Some eyedrops may sting or burn when you place them in your eyes. It can help to store them in your fridge.

You canât use many eyedrops while you wear contact lenses. Your doctor may tell you to remove your lenses before you use the drops and wait at least 10 minutes before you put them back in. Or you may not be able to wear contact lenses at all during treatment with eyedrops.

Youâll need to use most allergy eyedrops several times a day.

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How Can I Get Rid Of My Allergies

While there are several ways to prevent allergies from flaring, there are also ways to improve your sensitivity to allergies through allergen immunotherapy.

Allergen immunotherapy is a gradual increase in exposure to different allergens. Its especially useful for environmental allergies, like pollen, mold and dust.

The purpose is to train your immune system to not react when allergens are present. Its often used when other treatments have not worked. Types of allergen immunotherapy include allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy.

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Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes

If your eyes feel dry and irritated in the winter months when there are fewer outdoor allergens, then you may have a form of tear dysfunction known as dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is not an allergic reaction it happens when your eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make go away very quickly.

Many people have dry eye, including about one-third of older adults. Its commonly found in people with eye allergies as well. Symptoms are sometimes worse when its cold or windy outside, after you turn on the heat in your home, or if youre in a dry environment. Some medications, including oral antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-depressants, can cause symptoms.

Different Types Of Allergy Medicine

OTC allergy medications use a variety of methods to fight symptoms. Three of the most common OTC allergy medication types are:

• Corticosteroids: This type of OTC allergy medicine works by preventing swelling and inflammation. Its applied via nasal spray, treating nasal allergies. Corticosteroids are Dr. Passers preferred format of OTC allergy medicationwhile they mainly help with congestion and post nasal drainage, they can also help with itching and sneezing, she says. These work by soothing the sensitive tissue in your sinuses by coating them with the best anti-inflammatory medication, says Dr. Passer.Therefore, when you are exposed to allergens, those tissues remain calm, cool and collected and dont have the over-exaggerated response of swelling and producing lots of mucus. Indeed, one study confirms corticosteroids are superior to antihistamines when it comes to treating allergies. In the study, 88 patients with ragweed allergies received either a corticosteroid or an antihistamine. After four weeks, the steroid nasal spray group reported far fewer allergy symptoms than the antihistamine groupSteroids More Effective Than Antihistamines When Used As Needed For Allergies. University Of Chicago Medical Center. Accessed 05/13/2021. .

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Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops

Courtesy of Amazon

• Can be used with contacts

• Relieves grittiness, blurriness, and itching

• Wont treat allergies

• May need to be applied frequently

Good news for contact lens wearers who also suffer from allergies: you dont have to choose between your contacts and freedom from allergy symptoms! Many allergy eye drops are safe to use with soft contacts. The trick, in this case, is keeping your eyes moisturized since the one-two punch of contact lenses and allergy irritation can do a number on your eyes overall moisture.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%, Glycerin 0.9% | Dosage: 1 or 2 drops in affected eye as needed

What Is An Allergy To Grass Called

People may also refer to a grass allergy as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Hay fever occurs when a persons immune system mistakes a normally harmless airborne substance, such as grass pollen, as a threat. In response, the body releases chemicals, including histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms.

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Best For Treating Itching And Nasal Allergies

Antihistamines are a type of allergy medicine that help treat allergies by targeting and blocking histamine, which is the chemical substance your body releases when exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Most people use an antihistamine for basic allergies and all-day relief. In fact, your childs pediatrician may even recommend an antihistamine for your childs rash. Allergy medicines like antihistamine treatments can take the form of pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Once antihistamine medications are in your bloodstream, they can quickly reduce other symptoms caused by allergens and prevent the release of histamines in the first place.Taking allergy medicines like antihistamines before or during exposure to an allergen can help limit and even prevent your allergy issues. Antihistamine pills can offer 24-hour allergy relief and are most effective against sneezing, and itchy and runny noses, while nasal sprays like Nasacort Allergy spray are primarily designed to relieve congestion and pressure. Getting all-day relief is a priority for most.Its important to note that certain antihistamines, especially older drugs, can make you feel drowsy and cause dizziness, so you should be careful to avoid certain activities like driving after taking some antihistamines.

Side Effects Of Corticosteroids

Many potential side effects can occur if steroid treatments are used for an extended period of time. Side effects are typically mild, such as weight gain, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure, but certain patients may develop more serious complications, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. Steroids that are ingested through nasal sprays or inhalers can cause side effects such as cough, hoarseness, and fungal infections of the mouth.

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Which Allergy Medicine Should I Take

When determining which type of OTC allergy medication is right for you, consider your worst allergy symptoms.

There is a lot of crossover among the different categories, but in the most simple terms, antihistamines are best for itchy, sneezy noses and help itchy eyes, says Dr. Passer. Nasal sprays are best for congestion and post nasal drainage, but help itch quite a bit, too, and decongestants help with congestion. OTC eye drops are best for eye symptoms.

I dont think there is any differentiation between the medication categories for pollen versus, say, indoor allergens like dust or dog dander, she adds. It really is all the same process in the bodyit just comes from different sources.

When To Seek Medical Attention For Itchy Eyes

If you have short-term problems with itchy eyes and also experience seasonal allergies, you likely dont need medical attention unless OTC remedies do not help.

However, see a provider if:

• Your symptoms are severe or make it hard to function
• Your symptoms worsen or do not improve with home care or over-the-counter allergy medicines or eye drops
• You notice mucus coming from your eyes

You can develop an eye infection in addition to eye allergy symptoms.

Common eye infections that can cause red or itchy eyes include viral or bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis .

If you develop any of the following symptoms, call 911 or get emergency medical care:

• Sudden vision changes or blind spots

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Bausch + Lomb Alaway Eye Drops Provide Relief Up To 12 Hours

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.

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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Pet dander, dust, ragweed, grass, and pollen can trigger your eyes to have an allergic reaction. Common OTC allergy medications may help, but according to Christine Franzese, MD, allergist at the University of Missouri Health Care, eye allergies can be hard to treat. Whether it’s dryness, redness, or itching, eye drops can provide some relief.

What Are The Drug Interactions For Allergy Medications

Antihistamines may interact with:

Other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping medications, narcoticpain medications, sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and seizure medications.

Drugs with anticholinergic activity such as amitryptiline and other tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, certain drugs to prevent vomiting (prochlorperazine and promethazine.

Corticosteroids may interact with:

Drugs affecting metabolism of corticosteroids, such as ketoconazole and ritonavir .

Leukotriene inhibitors may interact with:

Drugs that stimulate liver metabolism, such as phenytoin phenobarbital, and carbamazepine as well as the antibioticRifampin.

Oral decongestants may interact with:

Antidepressants, other cold or allergy medications, drugs used to treat migraines and high blood pressure.

Topical immunomodulators may interact with:

Certain antibiotics, antifungals, calcium channel blockers, and cimetidine .

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How Do Allergies Affect The Eyes

An allergic response can cause the eyes to become inflamed. Your eyes may become increasingly red and itchy. The symptoms of eye allergies can vary greatly in severity and presentation from one person to the next. Most people will present with at least some degree of irritation or a foreign-body sensation.

How Do You Get Rid Of An Itchy Eye Overnight

Cold compress You can also try a cold compress. A cold-water compress can relive the itch and have a soothing effect on your eyes. Simply take a clean cloth, soak it in cold water, and apply to closed itchy eyes, repeating as often as needed.

Is it normal for my eyes to be itchy?

Luckily, getting itchy eyes is rarely ever a serious health concern. The most likely things to cause it are: In these cases, itchy eyes are fairly safe and easy to treat at home. Here are two reliable home remedies that you can use to treat itchy eyes.

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