All About Eye Allergies

Treating Eye Allergies

Medication/Treatment

• Prescription allergy eye drops such as Patanol and Zaditor stabilize the mast cells in the eye.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays such as Avamys help treat nose and eye symptoms.
• Oral antihistamines such as Aerius and Reactine (Zyrtec in the U.S.) reduce overall allergy symptoms, as can leukotriene receptor antagonists such as Singulair.
• Allergy shots can help to reduce symptoms and the immune response.

Non-Medicinal

• Preservative-free saline drops such as Refresh and Tears Naturale can help to lubricate the eye and flush out the pollen.
• Saline nasal sprays can help to lubricate the nose and flush out pollens, which can help reduce eye symptoms.
• Cold compresses can soothe the itching and burning.

Lifestyle Tips

• Avoid your allergy triggers as much as possible.
• Stay indoors during high pollen counts: typically in the morning, and on dry, breezy days.
• Close car windows when driving to keep pollen out.
• Keep the bedroom as allergen-free as you can.

Sources: Allergists Dr. Harold Kim and Dr. Paul Keith

See Also

• Outdoor Allergies Resource Hub – a compilation of our best.
• 10 Ways To Beat Pollen.
• Stinging Insect Allergies – when is it a serious reaction?

First published in Allergic Living magazine, Summer 2010 edition.
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