Itchy eyes caused by allergies can drive you up the wall. Allergies commonly affect the eyes, nose, and can even cause headaches. Allergies can cause your eyes to feel itchy, dry or watery, depending on your body and its particular chemistry.
How Do Allergies Affect My Eyes?
As your body reacts to seasonal allergies, your eyes may become inflamed. This inflammation can manifest as itchiness, redness, or both. You may notice your eyes streaming or becoming very dry.
Eye Drop Treatments
If your itchy eyes are indeed caused by allergies, there are a number of over-the-counter medications that may be effective in treating the problem. A good antihistamine or decongestant can be a wonderful tonic for what ails you.
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Artificial tears: Sometimes dryness is what causes your itchy eyes. Artificial tears can lubricate the eyes and help wash away any irritants.Refrigerating your bottle of artificial tears may make it more helpful.
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Decongestant anti-allergy eye drops: These eye drops are non prescription and can be bought at your local drug store. Some of these decongestants contain antihistamines, which may calm your body’s response to allergens, helping to reduce the itchiness of your eyes. These eye drops shouldn’t be used for long durations, so if you have chronic itchy eyes, you may want to try another option.
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Antihistamine eye drops with mast cell stabilizers: The antihistamine helps to relieve your allergies, while mast cell stabilizers help to contain your body’s reaction to the allergens. You can get these eye drops over the counter and they also come in prescription form.
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Eye drops containing steroids: These eye drops are actually the most effective treatment for those who suffer from long-term cases of allergic conjunctivitis.
Visit a healthcare professional if you are bothered by itchy eyes. Your physician will be able to help determine the cause of your itchy eyes and then prescribe or recommend the right treatment for you. There are quite a few good options available (including reducing exposure with allergy goggles), so there is no reason to suffer from this symptom of seasonal allergies.
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