Allergists can give you several eye allergy tips to help you not only relieve the irritation associated with allergies but also prevent them in the first place. Like all allergies, it is difficult to determine what causes eye allergies, but it is possible to determine some of the triggers and learn how to treat eye allergies should they occur. Eye allergies are a little tougher to control than other types and are often accompanied by the most irritating symptoms.
Of course as with all allergies, avoiding triggers is the best way to deal with eye allergies. However, this may not always be possible. When you feel symptoms coming on, you need to take immediate action. Allergy pills or antihistamines can be used before and after symptoms occur. You can also use home remedies such as wrapping a clean washcloth around ice cubes to place around itchy eyes. Eye drops may be used to relieve dry eyes.
Some nasal sprays are also helpful when dealing with eye as well as nasal allergies. Antihistamine drops rather than pills are usually more effective in relieving itching and not drying out the eye. However, they tend to not have as much of an effect on swelling or redness. Furthermore, they can have several side effects including headaches, mild burning or stinging and sleepiness. To relieve eye redness, decongestants are effective.
In fact, combinations of antihistamines and decongestants tend to be quite effective in relieving itching, redness, swelling and other mild symptoms of eye allergies. There is little risk of side effects although there is some chance of developing a dependency. If you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, you need to speak with your healthcare practitioner or allergist to come up with an alternative wellness regime that will reduce the potential for abusing antihistamines and decongestant combinations.
