Professional Eye Allergy Treatment In Burlington, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Durham, Raleigh & Cary
When the grass grows tall, the flowers blossom and the pollen count rises in North Carolina, many people suffer the irritating symptoms of seasonal eye allergies, which can sometimes be confused with dry eyes. Other people experience the symptoms all year round, often because of exposure to pet dander or dust.
Whether your symptoms are mild or more severe, eye allergies can disturb daily life and interfere with comfortable vision. Fortunately, our optometrists can recommend eye allergy drops to alleviate your condition. Call to schedule an appointment in The Eye Center offices, located conveniently to serve you with eye exams in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Burlington.
Common Symptoms of Eye Allergies
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Excessive tearing
- A burning feeling
- Sensation that something is stuck in your eyes
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you may have eye allergies. However, only a qualified eye doctor can make this diagnosis! These symptoms can also point to a number of other health and vision conditions, and a reliable diagnosis depends upon the results of an eye exam in one of our North Carolina optometry offices.
Eye Allergy Drops That Really Help
It is important to consult with your optometrist before running out to buy a bottle of over-the-counter eyedrops for allergies. The type of drops that you use depends upon the cause of your allergy and the degree to which your allergies affect daily life. If you have mild symptoms, a simple saline rinse may be effective at rinsing allergens from your eyes and stopping the allergic reaction. In addition, some allergy eyedrops may relieve only some of symptoms – yet not all.
Allergy eyedrops include the following types of medications:
Anti-inflammatory
There are two groups of anti-inflammatory eye allergy drops: corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroids are typically prescribed for extreme symptoms, and you will require regular check-ups with our eye doctor while you use these drugs. (They are associated with a higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma and eye infection).
NSAID eyedrops target particular nerve endings, thereby changing the way your body experiences itchiness. Patients often experience results within one hour after applying the drops, which may sting when first used.
Antihistamine
When over-the-counter eye drops, such as artificial tears, do not bring relief, our eye doctors may recommend antihistamine drops as the first line of defense against eye allergies. Antihistamine eye drops will generally resolve itchy, watery symptoms very quickly. However, relief may only last for a short time, and you’ll need to insert more drops a few times per day.
Mast cell stabilizers
A newbie on the market of eye allergy drops, mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine produced by your body during an allergic reaction. Many over-the-counter and prescription versions are available, and patients can often use these drops for months with no side effects. Mast cell stabilizers may also help with wearing contact lenses comfortably for longer spans.
Decongestant
While these eyedrops may brighten the whites of your eyes immediately, they don’t do much for treating eye allergies. Decongestant eyedrops, available without a prescription, constrict blood vessels in the ocular area. Yet when used over a long time, they can also make your problem worse. In general, eye doctors do not recommend decongestant drops as a treatment for eye allergies. (Note: It is dangerous for patients with glaucoma to use these eye drops!)
Multiple Action
Some eye allergy drops are multiple-action and contain more than one medicine. They are effective at reducing itching, redness and watery eyes.
As with all medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription, it’s important to read the instructions before inserting any type of drops into your eyes. Not all drops can be used with contact lenses, and if you develop an eye infection, eye allergy drops are not recommended.
Consult With Our Eye Doctors In Burlington, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Durham, Raleigh & Cary
Even better than checking the product label - consult with our eye doctor in any of our North Carolina offices: Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Burlington. Receive professional instruction about which eyedrops are best for you and how to use them properly!