Healthy Eyes

If you have upper respiratory allergies, chances are you suffer from an eye allergy as well. More than 80% of allergy sufferers have itchy eyes and 38% experience red eyes.

All of the steps you take to prevent and relieve your upper respiratory allergy symptoms can help to ease eye allergy symptoms, too. There are some additional actions you can take for fast relief, including using eye drops designed to relieve allergy symptoms.

First, here’s some background information on eye allergies.

What is eye allergy?
Eye allergy is very common, affecting millions of Americans. Symptoms include eye itching, redness, tearing or watering, and swelling of the eye. These may occur alone or along with upper respiratory allergy symptoms such as sneezing and stuffy nose.

What are the causes?
Substances called “allergens” trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.  The body reacts to allergens by releasing chemicals, including histamines, which cause eye allergy symptoms. Common outdoor allergens include pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. Indoor allergens include dust mites and pet dander.

Prevention
Try to avoid the substances that trigger your eye allergies. If you are sensitive to outdoor allergens:

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high – this is usually during the morning hours
• Keep your car and home windows closed, using air conditioning if necessary
• Wear protective goggles when mowing your lawn or doing yard work
• Wear large sunglasses to block windblown pollen

If you are sensitive to indoor allergens:

• Vacuum and dust your home often
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Use allergen-proof covers on your pillows and mattress
• Bathe your pets weekly

Whether your problem is with indoor or outdoor allergens, be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid rubbing your eyes.

Treatment
Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can help relieve eye allergy symptoms in minutes, while oral allergy medications take longer to begin to work. Many OTC eye drops contain an antihistamine, which blocks the action of histamine to relieve itching. Some also include ingredients to relieve red eyes. Prescription eye drops for allergy symptoms are also available. Be sure to read eye drop labels carefully to be sure you are using the right product for your symptoms.

Other things you can do include placing cold compresses on your eyes to reduce swelling of the eyelids and leaving your contact lenses out until your symptoms are gone.