Treating eye allergies with eye drops

Artificial tears

Artificial tear drops can help relieve eye allergies temporarily by washing allergens from the eye. They also relieve dry, irritated eyes by adding moisture. These drops, available without a prescription, can be used as often as you need them.

Decongestants

Decongestants reduce redness in the eyes from allergies. They are available as over-the-counter eyedrops. They may be sold simply as a decongestant or as a decongestant with an antihistamine, which relieves eye itchiness. These types of eyedrops should not be used for more than two to three days, as longer-term use actually increases your irritating symptoms.

Oral antihistamines

Oral antihistamines may be somewhat helpful in relieving itchy eyes; however, they can make eyes dry and even worsen eye allergy symptoms.

Antihistamine stabilizers

Eye drops with both an antihistamine to relieve itchiness and a mast-cell stabilizer help prevent eye allergies. Depending on your particular eye drop of choice, they are used once or twice a day to relieve itching, redness, tearing and burning.

Corticosteroids

Steroid eyedrops can help treat chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling.

The key to treating eye allergies

The key to treating eye allergies is to avoid or limit contact with the substance causing the problem. But you have to know what to avoid. If necessary, an allergist can perform a skin or blood test to help identify the specific allergens.

Avoiding allergens

If pets are a source of allergies for you, try to keep animals outside of the house as much as possible. It is particularly important not to allow a pet into your bedroom so that you can sleep in an allergen-free room. Consider hardwood or tile floors instead of carpeting, which traps the pet dander. Always wash your hands after touching a pet, and wash clothing that has been exposed to pets. Finally, always avoid rubbing your eyes, which only irritates them more.

If pollen is an allergen for you, avoid going outdoors as much as possible when pollen counts are highest and when wind blows pollens around. When you are outdoors, sunglasses or eyeglasses can help to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.

To help minimize your exposure to pollen and other irritants while you are inside, keep your windows closed and use air conditioning - both in your car and home. Don't use window fans, as they draw the pollen and other allergens inside. Keep your air conditioning units clean so they won't cycle allergens inside.

If mold is an allergy trigger for you, recognize that high humidity can cause molds to grow. Aim to keep the humidity level in your home. Clean high-humidity areas like basements, bathrooms and kitchens frequently, and consider using a dehumidifier in particularly humid or moist places.