Treatment for Eye Allergies

Burning, tearing, or itching eyes afflict many allergy sufferers during the high pollen season, and some people throughout the year. Symptoms can be relieved using natural remedies or medical treatments.

Causes of Eye Allergies

Like other allergies, eye allergies are caused by the release of histamine, which occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance like pollen. Histamine causes the blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye, to swell up.

Soon the allergy sufferer has visibly red eyes, as well as itching and tearing up. This condition is known as allergic conjunctivitis.

While some people have seasonal eye allergies, occuring in response to tree and grass pollen in the summer, others have somewhat milder perennial eye allergies. These occur all year round, due to animal dander and dust mites.

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

• Puffy eyes in the morning
• Red eyes
• Stringy eyes
• Intense itching, burning eyes

Natural Remedies For Eye Allergies

• Avoid exposure to the allergen. Unfortunately this is not always possible as dust and animal dander are present all year round. If pollen is the culprit, however, wearing wrap-around sunglasses can help.
• The Hay-Band applies Chinese acupuncture principles to relieve allergies without the use of drugs.
• Apply cool compresses to the eye. A weak, cooled chamomile tea can be used for this. Use a fresh compress every day to avoid infection.
• Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
• Drink green tea once or twice a day - it contains natural antihistamines.
• If the cause of the allergy is pollen, try starting to eat local honey before spring starts.
• Flavonoids have antihistamine properties. They are found in fruit and vegetables such as berries, plums, citrus and broccoli.

Medical Treatment for Eye Allergies

Oral Antihistamines: Most people who suffer eye allergies also experience other allergic symptoms, so oral antihistamines can be useful. They are not suitable for pregnant women, and some brands can cause drowsiness.

Eye Drops: Some eye drops lubricate the eyes to prevent irritation. Others affect the allergic process within the eye, e.g. Optrex, containing sodium cromoglycate, which stabilises the immune system mast cells to prevent an allergic reaction. In more severe cases, steroid drops can be used with a doctor's prescription.

Eye Allergy Relief for Contact Lens Users

Unfortunately allergic reactions can make wearing contacts uncomfortable, and wearing contacts can in itself make the eye more susceptible to allergies.

Common allergy relief eye drops such as Opticrom and Pollinase are not compatible with lenses, so what are the options for contact lens wearers?

Single Use Contacts: Single use contacts, such as the 1-day Acuvue Moist, can minimise the exposure to allergens. Single use lenses also reduce exposure to chemicals that can have a negative effect on an allergic eye. However, not all contact lens users are able to use single lenses, for example those with a higher level of astigmatism.

Eye Drops Suitable for Allergic Contact Lens Users: Potters Allerclear Eye Drops are safe to use for lens wearers. The eye drops contain the herb Eyebright, are preservative free and provide instant relief from irritation caused by pollen, dust, and air pollution.

Eye allergies, triggered by seasonal or perennial irritants, cause uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms. Sufferers can choose from several treatments, both natural and medical, and contact lens wearers can also obtain relief.

References

Chris McLaughlin - Asthma and Allergies: Recipes and Advice to Control Symptoms (Hamlyn, 2004)

Janette Peel - Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever http://www.helium.com/items/614704-herbal-remedies-for-hay-fever

Medline Plus - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001031.htm

Eye Allergies

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