Eye Allergies FAQ

Allergy shots, a desensitization process, can be helpful for some people in reducing symptoms and the need for other medications. There are also various topical and oral medications readily available at local pharmacies and drugstores. For particularly serious cases, a variety of prescription medications are also available.

Most medications fall into the antihistamine category, either topical or oral. Both work to block the release of histamine, which causes many of the symptoms. Topical antihistamines, in the form of eye drops, may prove the most effective way to get relief from Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis. Unlike oral medications, eye drops allow the medication to get directly to the affected eyes. Many contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant. Applied when necessary, these drops can alleviate within minutes most of the annoying symptoms such as itching, redness, tearing and swelling.

New and highly potent prescription topical antihistamines are also available from your doctor that work on contact and provide hours of relief with virtually no side-effects.

Keep windows in your home and car closed during the pollen season, use air conditioning instead. If you suffer badly, some cars have filters fitted that remove the pollen from incoming air.

• Avoid outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn or gardening, especially in the morning and early afternoon when pollen release is at its height.
• Wash your hands, face and hair often to rid them of pollen that may accumulate.
• Don’t rub your eyes. Rubbing stimulates the release of chemicals, which can make you eyes even itchier.
• Use cold compresses to alleviate the itching.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, don’t wear them if you’re using eye drops. There are steps you can take to make lens wear more comfortable during allergy season.

If you have continued problems with your eye allergies, call today at 1-510-431-5511 to schedule an appointment at NeoVision Eye Center.