How to Treat Itchy Eyes Caused by Allergies

Many options are available to treat eye allergies. Before beginning any treatment, it's important to understand the source and reason for the allergic reaction. Allergies are the result of an immune system response to a foreign substance that people without allergies will not notice.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Artificial tears
• Cool compresses

Identify Allergy Symptoms and Agents

1. Educate yourself about itchy eyes caused by three types of atopic allergy sources: vernal keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane inside the eyelids and outer eye surface); atopic keratoconjunctivitis (occurs in elderly); and hay fever conjunctivitis.

2. Understand allergic reactions to medications can cause intense eye discomfort such as itchy eyes, swelling and redness. The amount of eye damage will determine the method used to treat the allergy.

3. Wear contact lens with the knowledge that allergies can manifest. Redness and mucous discharge can be caused by tear film proteins that attach to the lens resulting in an allergic response.

Treat Eye Allergies

1. Report any signs of redness, itching, tearing, swelling of the eyes, mucous discharge, contact lens discomfort or a feeling of something in the eye. See an ophthalmologist, a doctor trained specifically to treat diseases of the eye.

2. Find artificial tears (eyedrops made to simulate real tears) and cool compresses helpful in treating atopic allergies.

3. Discontinue any medication determined to be the source of eye allergies and treat symptoms as determined by your doctor. Artificial tears will help clean and lubricate the eye.

4. Decrease the contact lens wear time or discontinue altogether until the allergic reaction is controlled. The allergy may be to the lens cleaner and is resolved by changing brands. For some, contact lens wear is no longer an option.

5. Consider the use of allergy relief medications developed specifically to treat ongoing eye allergies such as hay fever, grass and pollen irritants. Many medications are available without a prescription.

6. Explore alternative medicine options to treat and control the discomfort of eye allergies. Many prefer natural remedies over conventional medicine.

7. Undergo allergy testing for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. Skin tests for allergic reactions or a RAST blood test can identify most common allergens. Follow the advice of your physician on the best way to treat the discomfort caused by the allergen.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare ahead for seasonal allergies that cause eye discomfort. Keep windows closed and use HEPA filters on air conditioning systems to reduce pollen in the home.

• Watch for signs of asthma or serious breathing difficulties in children with itchy eyes, sneezing and runny noses.