Red, itchy, watery eyes, along with the sneezing and a runny nose, guess who came for a visit? —eye allergies. This type of allergy is very common, in which it is estimated that the people alone in the United States are affected with roughly 50 million in number, which makes up 30 percent of the adults and up to 40 percent of children.
In addition to having symptoms of congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, there are some cases in which eye allergies play a significant role in conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, and other eye infections.
With this said, if you think you are now experiencing eye allergies, then here are a few things that you might want to know— which includes helpful tips on how to relieve your red, itchy, and watery eyes.
What Causes Eye Allergies?
The distinctive sign of eye allergies is having red, itchy and watery eyes, which may be followed up with a runny nose.
Normally, the harmless substance that causes the problem for individuals who are predisposed to allergic reactions are called as allergens, wherein the most common airborne is an allergen which causes eye allergies such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander.
Not only that, but eye allergies can also be triggered by an individual’s reaction to particular cosmetics or even eyedrops which includes artificial tears which are used as a treatment for dry eyes that contains preservatives.
On the other hand, food allergies and allergic reaction to insect bites or bee stings do not affect the eyes as severely as how airborne allergens do.
Eye Allergy Relief
Here are the following approaches that you can do to get relief from your eye allergy:
Avoid allergens. We all agree that prevention is better than cure, right? so the best way to control your eye allergy is to do everything you can to limit your exposure to the common allergens that you may be sensitive to.
For instance, if the pollen count is high, then you should be wise enough to stay indoors as much as possible with the proper ventilation of air conditioner to filter the air. Use high-quality furnace filters if you must, to trap the common allergens and replace the filters as often as you can.
Also, if it is inevitable for you to go outside your home during this time, then you should exercise precaution through wearing sunglasses to help shield your eyes, and a mask to minimize your interaction from the pollen, ragweed, etc.
Over the Counter Eye Drops.
Since eye allergies are common, there are many brands that do not need to be prescribed by a medical practitioner since eye itch relief drops are available in pharmacies with an eye itch relief drops coupon that is formulated to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes due to allergens.
This over the counter eye itch relief drops works well if your eye allergy symptoms are relatively mild. Not to mention that it may be less expensive than the prescription eye drops or any other medication.
Prescription Medication.
Over the counter drugs might work if your eye allergy is at a mild level. However, if your allergy symptoms are on a severe level or the over-the-counter eye drops have become ineffective, then you probably need to consult your eye doctor.
Antihistamines. Histamine is a part of our body’s natural allergic response which dilates the blood vessels and makes the wall of the blood vessels abnormally permeable. With this said, the symptoms caused by this substance will result in a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Antihistamines work if they reduce the allergic reactions that an individual is having by blocking the attachment of the histamine to the cells in the body which produces an allergic response.
Decongestants. Decongestants help shrink the swollen passages during an allergic reaction for easier breathing. Also, they reduce the size of blood vessels on the sclera (the white part of the eye) to help relieve red eyes.
The common decongestants include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. There are also combination drugs that you can go for, which contains both antihistamine and decongestants.
Mast Cell Stabilizers. The mast cell stabilizers cause a change in histamine-containing cells which is located in tissues throughout the body, this includes the conjunctive of the eye and eyelids that prevents them from releasing the histamine and related substance of allergic reactions.
Since it may take weeks for an individual to feel the full effect of this medication, it is recommended that it is best to be used before allergy season starts as a way to prevent or reduce the severity of future allergic reactions.
Takeaway
Having a red, itchy, and watery eyes with a runny nose can get into your way in having a productive day. Not to mention that it may worsen over time if left unattended.
Thus, it is just right for you to know the information that you need in terms of alleviating the symptoms of eye allergy in order for you to help yourself be at ease.
Amanda