How to Cope with Eye Allergies

Allergy sufferers often find that their eyes react most strongly to allergies, exhibiting symptoms such as itchiness, redness, and swelling. The following are some tips for alleviating these symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• An allergist and ophthalmologist (if applicable)
• Eye drops (plus samples and/or coupons)
• Cold compresses

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with an allergist. She may recommend a course of allergy injections and/or and a combination of medications (including but not limited to eye drops). An allergist will also be able to pinpoint the allergens to which you are reacting so that you can minimize your exposure to them.

• 2

  Not every kind of eye drop works for every person, so try various eye drops. Just because your allergist prescribes a particular brand of eye drop, know that there are other options out there, many of which are over-the-counter.

• 3

  If you go with a prescription eye drop, try to get samples from your allergist's office. If you go with an OTC option, see if he has coupons for the product.

• 4

  Discuss your eye allergies with your ophthalmologist. Certain brands of contacts may be better for allergy sufferers, or you may wish to use disposable contacts so that they are easier to remove should your allergy symptoms become severe at any point.

• 5

  Try not to rub your eyes. If you wake up with discharge on or around your eyes, gently wash it off with warm water.

• 6

  If your symptoms get really bad, lie down with a cool washcloth or other cold compress on your eyes.