Allergy Eyedrops: Types, Uses, Side Effects
Allergy Eyedrops: Types, Uses, Side Effects
Allergy eyedrops are liquid medicines used to treat symptoms of eye allergies. Eyeallergy symptoms include:
An eye allergy is linked to the same kinds of triggers that cause hay fever, such as:
Could It Be an Allergy?
Wondering if your nagging cold is actually an allergy? Or what about your new skin cream that made your hands break out? Distinguishing an allergy from a non-allergic condition is not always a clear-cut task. But knowing the difference can sometimes help you solve what's ailing you, which in turn could mean faster relief.Mary Fields knows just how difficult pinpointing an allergy can be. The 64-year-old Bronx resident tells WebMD she was convinced her frequent hives were caused by something in...
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Eye allergies may also be triggered by certain medications or by wearing contact lenses.
If you have symptoms of eye allergies, ask your health care provider if eyedrops are right for you. Your doctor may first suggest you take these steps:
Which type of allergy eyedrop you use depends on:
Not all allergy eyedrops treat all allergy symptoms. For example, an eyedrop that relieves red (bloodshot) eyes may not stop the itching.
There are many different types of allergy eyedrops. Some are sold over the counter while others require a prescription from a doctor. Some relieve symptoms quickly. Others provide long-term relief.
The types of allergy eyedrops include:
If you have itchy, watery eyes, antihistamine eyedrops may make you feel better. These medicines block histamine buildup in the body. Histamine is a chemical made by your immune system when you come in contact with an allergy trigger. It causes many of your allergy symptoms.
Antihistamine eyedrops are usually recommended as the first treatment for eye allergies after you have tried non-drug methods at home.
Antihistamine eyedrops can quickly relieve eye allergy symptoms. But relief may only last for a few hours. You may need to use the drops several times a day.
Prescription antihistamine eyedrops include:
Anti-inflammatory eyedrops fall into two groups:
NSAID eyedrops affect certain nerve endings. They change the way your body makes you feel itchy.
- burning of the eye
- feeling like something is in the eye
- itchy eyes
- red (bloodshot) eyes
- swelling of the eyelid
- tearing
An eye allergy is linked to the same kinds of triggers that cause hay fever, such as:
Recommended Related to Allergies
Could It Be an Allergy?
Wondering if your nagging cold is actually an allergy? Or what about your new skin cream that made your hands break out? Distinguishing an allergy from a non-allergic condition is not always a clear-cut task. But knowing the difference can sometimes help you solve what's ailing you, which in turn could mean faster relief.Mary Fields knows just how difficult pinpointing an allergy can be. The 64-year-old Bronx resident tells WebMD she was convinced her frequent hives were caused by something in...
Read the Could It Be an Allergy? article > >
- pollen
- dust
- pet dander
Eye allergies may also be triggered by certain medications or by wearing contact lenses.
Types of Allergy Eyedrops
If you have symptoms of eye allergies, ask your health care provider if eyedrops are right for you. Your doctor may first suggest you take these steps:
- use artificial tears
- place a cold cloth on the eyes
- avoid your allergy triggers
Which type of allergy eyedrop you use depends on:
- the cause of your allergy
- your specific symptoms
- how much the symptoms affect daily activities
Not all allergy eyedrops treat all allergy symptoms. For example, an eyedrop that relieves red (bloodshot) eyes may not stop the itching.
There are many different types of allergy eyedrops. Some are sold over the counter while others require a prescription from a doctor. Some relieve symptoms quickly. Others provide long-term relief.
The types of allergy eyedrops include:
- antihistamine
- anti-inflammatory
- decongestant
- mast cell stabilizers
- multiple action
Antihistamine Allergy Eyedrops
If you have itchy, watery eyes, antihistamine eyedrops may make you feel better. These medicines block histamine buildup in the body. Histamine is a chemical made by your immune system when you come in contact with an allergy trigger. It causes many of your allergy symptoms.
Antihistamine eyedrops are usually recommended as the first treatment for eye allergies after you have tried non-drug methods at home.
Antihistamine eyedrops can quickly relieve eye allergy symptoms. But relief may only last for a few hours. You may need to use the drops several times a day.
Prescription antihistamine eyedrops include:
- Emadine (emedastine difumarate)
- Livostin (levocabastine)
- Optivar (azelastine hydrochloride)
Anti-inflammatory Allergy Eyedrops
Anti-inflammatory eyedrops fall into two groups:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
NSAID eyedrops affect certain nerve endings. They change the way your body makes you feel itchy.
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