Allergy of the eye is the symptoms of reaction of the eyes to certain stimulants. In this article, you will know all about eye allergy, its triggers, symptoms and how to treat it.

Eye allergy triggers

• Seasonal changes.
• Pollen.
• Dust.
• Pets.
• Others include: contact lenses and some medications.

Symptoms of eye allergy

• Burning sensation in the eye.
• Feeling like there is sand / gritty sensation.
• Itchy.
• Oink eyes.
• Swollen eyelids.
• Excessive tearing.

Treatment of eye allergy

• Avoiding the cause of the allergy is the first step to prevent eye allergies.
• Use artificial tears when you can feel the gritty sensation.
• Put a damp cold cloth on your eyes once it turns pink.

If symptoms continue please visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Your doctor will prescribe the perfect allergy eye drop for you depending on the cause of the allergy, your symptoms and their effect on your daily chores.

It is safe to say that not all eye drops treat the same symptoms, the eye drops that relieve red eyes may not treat itching.

There are several categories for anti-allergy eye drops including:

• Antihistaminic.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Decongestant.
• Others.

Categories for anti-allergy eye drops

Antihistamine Eye drops

They are the first line of treatment for eye allergies. They relieve your itchy sensation, the excessive tearing and generally make your eyes feel better. But unfortunately, they only provide temporary relief. So, you have to use them several times a day.

Anti-inflammatory Eye drops

This category of antiallergic treatment affects your eyes’ nerve endings so you won’t feel the itchy sensation. Eye drops that contain Corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use as they may cause the following side effects:

• Cataract.
• Infection of the eyes.
• Glaucoma.

Decongestant Eye drops

These eye drops quickly relieve and reduce redness of the eye but for a short time. But don’t overuse them as they may cause “rebound redness”.

Others

Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drops treat and prevents:

• Itching and burning sensation.
• Redness.
• Excess tearing.

Instructions to you use antiallergic eye drops

• Please follow your doctor’s instructions thoroughly, and do not abuse antiallergic eye drops longer than 3 days.
• It is contraindicated to use decongestant eye drops if you suffer from glaucoma.
• You can store your eye drops in the fridge to prevent the first drop stinging sensation.
• Take off your contact lenses at least 10 minutes before applying your medication and another 10 minutes afterward.

we advise you

If you have been diagnosed with eye allergy it is best to avoid allergic stimulants, thus avoiding allergic eye symptoms altogether.