As with any allergy, the first approach for successful management
should be prevention or avoidance of the allergens that trigger your
symptoms. Here are some avoidance tips to reduce exposure to allergens
that affect your eyes.
Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are at their
peak, usually during the mid-morning and early evening, and when
wind is blowing pollens around.
Keep windows closed and use air conditioning in your car and home.
Air conditioning units should be kept clean. Avoid using window fans
that can draw pollens and molds into the house.
Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize pollen
getting into your eyes.
Avoid rubbing eyes, which will only irritate them or make your
condition worse.
Reduce dust mite exposure in your home, especially the bedroom.
Bedding, particularly pillows, should be encased in
"mite-proof" covers. Wash bedding often in hot water (at
least 130*F). Keep humidity in your home low (between 30 percent and
50 percent).
Eye
Allergies Believe your eyes, and see what they may be telling you.
If your eyes itch, are red, tearing or burning,
pay attention to what they may be telling you. You may have eye
allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, a condition that affects millions
of Americans. It is a condition that can occur alone, but often
accompanies nasal allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, sniffling and a
stuffy nose. And, while most people treat nasal allergy symptoms, they
often ignore their itchy, red, watery eyes. This document answers
questions about eye allergies and suggests effective ways for you to
recognize and treat the symptoms.
What causes eye allergies?
Just like hay fever and skin rashes, eye allergies develop when the
body's immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something that
is ordinarily harmless. An allergic reaction can occur whenever that
"something" - called an allergen - comes into contact with
your eyes. The allergen causes certain cells in the eye (called mast
cells) to release histamine and other substances or chemicals that cause
blood vessels in the eyes to swell, and the eyes to become itchy, red
and watery.
What allergens trigger eye allergies?
Allergens that may be present indoors or outdoors can cause eye
allergies. The most common outdoor airborne allergens are grass, tree
and weed pollens. People who are sensitive to these allergens suffer
from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye
allergy.
Pet hair or dander, dust mites and molds are the most common indoor
allergens. These indoor allergens can trigger symptoms for some people
throughout the year, resulting in perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
Although cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust may inflame your
eyes, they act as irritants rather than triggering an allergic response.
They can, however, make your allergy symptoms worse.
Can eye allergies harm my eyesight?
No. Eye allergies can be extremely annoying and uncomfortable, and
they may disrupt your day-to-day activities, but they cannot harm your
eyes.
Prescription Eye Drops and Medications
Antihistamines. Eye drops that contain antihistamines can reduce
the itching, redness and swelling associated with eye allergies.
Although antihistamine eye drops provide quick relief, the effect
may last only a few hours, and some of these drops need to be used
four times a day.
Mast Cell Stabilizers. Mast cell stabilizers are eye drops that
prevent the release of histamine and other substances that cause
allergy symptoms. The drops must be taken before exposure to an
allergen to prevent itching.
Antihistamine/Mast Cell Stabilizers. Some of the newest eye drops
have both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizing action to
treat and prevent eye allergies. They are used twice a day and
provide quick and long-lasting relief of itching, redness, tearing
and burning.
NSAIDS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops also are
available to relieve itching. These drops may cause stinging or
burning when applied and may need to be used four times a day.
Corticosteroids. Steroid eye drops can help treat chronic and
severe eye allergy symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling,
but continued use of the drops can have side effects, such as a risk
of secondary infection, glaucoma and cataracts. These drops should
only be used short-term and under the supervision of an
ophthalmologist.
Nonsedating Oral Antihistamines. Like OTC oral antihistamines,
prescription antihistamines can be mildly effective in relieving the
itching associated with eye allergies. They do not have the same
sedating side effects as OTC antihistamines, but they still can
cause dry eyes and worsen symptoms.
Do allergy shots treat eye allergies?
If avoidance, oral medication and eye drops do not control your
symptoms, allergy shots or immunotherapy is another option for
relieving eye allergies. Tiny amounts of the allergen are injected
with gradually increasing doses over time. The shots can actually
keep your body from reacting to the allergens. The treatment takes
several months to achieve maximum results and some continuing
medication may still be required.
Medications for the Treatment of Eye
Allergies
Over-the-counter eye drops and oral medications are commonly
used for short-term relief of some eye allergy symptoms. However,
they may not relieve all symptoms, and prolonged use of some OTC
eye drops may actually cause your condition to become worse.
Prescription eye drops and oral medications also are used to
treat eye allergies. Prescription eye drops provide both short-
and long-term targeted relief of eye allergy symptoms, and they
can be used to manage eye allergy symptoms in conjunction with an
oral antihistamine that might be taken to manage nasal allergy
symptoms.
