Now that the weather is cooperating we can enjoy the great outdoors and watch as the trees, grass and flowers come back to life. As the plants and trees begin to grow many people suffer from seasonal allergies.
Common signs of seasonal allergies are sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, coughing and of course itchy and irritated eyes.
Oral antihistamines (Claritin, Reactine, Benadryl) can help treat many of the symptoms of seasonal allergies. When it comes to treating itchy and irritated eyes the oral medications may help BUT they can also cause eye dryness thus leading to more eye irritation and itching. In some cases adding and over the counter eye drop like Systane or I-Drop Pur Gel can help alleviate the dryness and the irritation.
When the over the counter drops do not work prescription eye drops are a better option. Pataday is a common prescription eye drop that works well in treating the symptoms of itchy eyes. Pataday works well if taken before the symptoms get too bad but once our eyes get really itchy and irritated it does not provide enough of a relief.
In the last few years new eye drops have come out that work to help better alleviate the more advanced signs and symptoms of ocular allergies. Alrex and Bepreve are two prescription eye drops that work very well for allergy relief and have fast and long lasting effects. Some people will take the drops for a week, while others will take the drops for a longer period of time.
Visits to our office for allergy related eye issues are covered by Alberta Healthcare. If you have a concern about your itchy eyes and want to know the best solution for them you can book an appointment anytime with myself or Dr Lim. We can look at your eyes and determine which is the best option for you. #eyeallergies #spring #itchyeyes #redeyes #tofieldeyecare
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