RELIEVING "ALLERGY EYES"

Allergies affect some 40 to50 million American s yearly. Common allergic reactions include itchy, red and swollen eyes. Pollens from grass and trees are usually the culprits when it comes to triggering these allergies.

Reasons people have allergies include the body's immune system overreacting from unwanted substances. If people determine exactly what they are allergic to and avoid exposure to these substances, this will help relieve the eyes. Unfortunately, avoidance is not always possible.

When allergies are at their worst and eyes become irritated, people should always seek care from an eye-care professional. If a patient's symptoms are mild, optometrists may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. If allergy symptoms are more significant, they will more than likely prescribe antihistamine, anti-inflammatory or mast cell inhibitor eye medications. Many allergy patients also may suffer from dry eye syndrome, which can be aggravated either by allergies or by the medications used to treat allergies. In many instances, side effects of these prescriptions also include dry eye. Dry-eye symptoms pose complications for many individuals, especially contact lens wearers. In these cases, the AOA recommends artificial tears or eye lubricants.

Patients should always discuss all mediations they are currently taking so optometrists can better tailor the medication they suggest to treat irritated "allergy eyes."