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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ask Doctor K: Choose right eye drops for your allergy symptoms

Anthony L. Komaroff M.D.

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have allergies, and my eyes are affected the most. They’re puffy, red and itchy. What can I do?

DEAR READER: Pollens, animal dander, dust mites and mold: The same allergens that cause sneezing and an itchy nose and throat can trigger allergy symptoms that affect your eyes. If your eyes are red and itchy, you also may have tearing, mucous discharge and swelling of your conjunctiva (the inside of your eyelid). This constellation of symptoms is known as allergic conjunctivitis. It can be uncomfortable, but it is not a threat to vision.

A simple but effective remedy is to place a cool, wet washcloth over your eyes. Also, use artificial tears frequently. They’ll give you some relief and help wash away allergens.

Try not to rub your eyes. Doing so causes mast cells, which play a key role in allergic reactions, to release inflammation-causing chemicals into the eye. This makes symptoms worse.

If your symptoms appear occasionally, try one of the newer generation of antihistamines you can take by mouth. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a major cause of itchy eyes. Over-the-counter options include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra). Others are available by prescription.

Another option is eye drops that contain mast cell stabilizers, which limit release of the inflammation-causing chemicals. During an allergy attack, eye drops work faster than pills.

Eye drops that contain antihistamines and decongestants can provide quick relief, particularly of the redness in the eye. But don’t use these medications for more than a week or two, as they can cause excessive narrowing of the blood vessels in your eye.

If you use multiple types of eye drops, don’t put both drops in your eye at the same time. Wait about five minutes between putting the two types of drops in your eye. Otherwise, the second type may wash away the effects of the first type.

If your symptoms don’t improve with other medications, ask your doctor about prescription eye drops that contain corticosteroids.