Ocular Allergies

 

Preventing Allergies

We all have different allergens and preventing exposure to them can help reduce symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, ragweed, and many others. You should try to avoid going outdoors during high pollen and other allergen counts. Usually, there is the most pollen in the middle of the morning and again in the early evening. Wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses outside can help to protect your eyes from allergens.

It is a good idea to keep your windows closed so that your home will be an allergen-free place as much as possible. You should also keep your air-conditioning system clean so that pollen and other allergens won’t stay inside.

 

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are known to help relieve symptoms of dry eyes because they add moisture to your eyes. However, they are also useful in helping wash allergens out of your eyes. We strongly recommend using a preservative-free artificial tear, as often as you feel you need during the day during allergy season.

Decongestants

You can use over the counter decongestant eye drops to reduce any redness in your eyes that allergies cause. You can get them over-the-counter, and if they have an antihistamine in them, you can also relieve itchiness. It is not recommended to use them for more than several days as there are long term side effects.

Antihistamines

You can take oral antihistamines to relieve your general allergy symptoms including itchy eyes. Unfortunately, they can also worsen your dry eye symptoms. Our doctors recommend an eye-allergy focused examination. If you want to try a drop before your exam, over the counter options with that have a mast-cell stabilizer with an antihistamine are suggested.