What Treatments are Available for Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis can cause red, itchy, and watery eyes. These symptoms can be very bothersome and may be worse seasonally. The best treatment for eye allergies will depend on the cause and type of the allergy.
 

Types of Eye Allergies

Most allergic conjunctivitis cases are due to environmental allergens which are worse in a particular season.
 

Specific types of allergic reactions can occur due to contact lens wear or as a result of a reaction to contact lens solution or an eye medication.
 

Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Nearly all allergic conjunctivitis will result in at least one of the three classic symptoms of red eyes, itchiness on or around the eye, or watery discharge from the eyes.
 

The whites of the eyes will appear slightly bloodshot much like pink eye in allergic conjunctivitis.
 

Treatment Options for Allergic Conjunctivitis

When treating allergic conjunctivitis there are multiple options which vary in the degree of intensity of the treatment.
 

The simplest treatment may include cool compresses alone or with an over-the-counter eye drop, while the most advanced treatment may require prescription eye drops or a change of contact lens brands.
 

Cool Compresses for Eye Allergies

Since eye allergies are often more bothersome than actually damaging to the eyes, the best treatment may be to use cool compresses to reduce symptoms.
 

A cold compress applied gently to the eyelids for five to ten minutes with mild pressure can reduce the redness and watering that accompanies eye allergies.
 

Compresses can be purchased at a pharmacy or retail store, or a compress can be made at home with a wash cloth or ice pack.
 

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops for Eye Allergies

There are numerous over-the-counter eye drops which are designed to treat and prevent eye allergies.
 

These eye drops are usually a combination of two medications: one antihistamine medication and one mast cell stabilizer medication.
 

Both of these medications are beneficial for treatment of eye allergies and help to prevent outbreaks in the future as well as treat the current condition.
 

Different medications including Pataday, Zaditor, Alaway, and Lastacaft are available and may be recommended by your eye doctor in conjunction with the use of a cool compress for improved outcomes.
 

Prescription Steroid Eye Drops for Eye Allergies

If over-the-counter eye drops and cool compresses are not sufficient in treating the symptoms of eye allergies, a prescription eye drop with a steroid (anti-inflammatory) medication can be used to calm the eye and reduce the symptoms of eye allergies.
 

While a steroid eye drop may be used for a short period of time, it cannot be used long term like an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop.
 

By reducing the inflammation on the eye, the signs and symptoms of eye allergies can be mitigated and then managed using over-the-counter eye drops.
 

Changing Contact Lenses for Eye Allergies

While eye drops are used successfully for many with eye allergies, if there is a link between the allergies and the contact lenses being worn, a change may be needed.
 

Sometimes just using a new pair of contact lenses will resolve the allergies, but sometimes it will require changing brands of contact lenses.
 

By changing to a daily replacement contact lens, the health of the eye can be improved, and allergic reactions can be reduced.
 

Determining the Best Treatment for Eye Allergies

While any treatment is an option for allergic conjunctivitis, to determine the most appropriate treatment can be determined by an eye doctor.
 

A thorough eye exam will reveal the severity and cause of the eye allergies.

Our eye doctor at Local Eyes Optometry in New Braunfels, TX excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would are experiencing or would like to learn more about eye floaters. Our eye doctor, Dr. Marcus Page, provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in New Braunfels, Texas.