Best Eye Allergy Relief: Treating Itchy, Dry, Red Eyes

Do you suffer from itchy, dry, or red eyes when you’re affected by allergies? This is a common reaction, but that doesn’t make it any easier to manage. You need relief if you want to be able to focus on your work, family, or any of the other things that are important to you.

This guide will cover some of the ways that you can treat itchy eyes by exploring the following topics:

• Are your eye symptoms caused by allergies?
• What over-the-counter treatments are available to treat itchy eyes?
• What other treatments can bring relief?

Before you look for treatments and medicines, you should verify that your symptoms are allergy-related. In the next section, you’ll get an introduction to some of the causes of itchy eyes, and some questions to ask your doctor to help you confirm that allergies are the cause.

Are your symptoms caused by allergies?

Before you attempt to treat itchy eyes with allergy medications, you should make sure that your symptoms aren’t coming from a different source. If allergies are not the cause, the real cause may be a condition that needs to be urgently addressed.

Here are some common conditions that may result in unpleasantly itchy eyes:

• Incompatible contact lenses: If your contact lenses are badly fitted, or an incorrect prescription, you may experience eye irritation as a result. If you continue to use the lenses, your eyes may become red and itchy over time. 
• Bacterial or parasite infection: Several known eye infections are known to cause red and itchy eyes. Blepharitis, for example, is a recurring infection that can cause red, swollen eyelids.  Eyelash mites also cause similar symptoms. 
• Dry eye syndrome: This condition occurs when your tears don’t provide enough lubrication to keep your eyes comfortable. It is a chronic condition, so it will keep appearing long after allergy season is over. Dry eyes can damage your vision over time. It needs to be identified and treated.
• Sensitivity to outside irritants: Your eyes may become red and itchy if they are constantly exposed to an irritant in the environment.

You should speak to a doctor if you believe that any of these conditions may be the cause of your symptoms. If you can rule them out—and establish allergies as the cause—you’re ready to start exploring the treatments that are available.

What over-the-counter treatments are available to treat itchy eyes?

Image by taiyofj of Creative Commons

Many different treatments are available to treat itchy eyes that result from allergies. You should be able to find all of the following options available nearly anywhere:

Diphenhydramine HCl

Diphenhydramine HCl is an antihistamine. It suppresses the bodies’ reaction to allergens. Red eyes are one of the most common symptoms of allergies and any medicine that reduces the effects of antihistamines can lead to fewer problems with red eyes. 

Diphenhydramine HCl is widely available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. In most countries, it is available without a prescription. 

Fexofenadine HCL

Fexofenadine HCL is another type of antihistamine. It is used to treat a combination of allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It is considered to also be effective against watery or itchy eyes.

Fexofenadine HCL is available in tablet form, including a rapid-release tablet. It may also be found in liquid form. In most countries, it is easily available over the counter. 

Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride

Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is another common antihistamine. It works in much the same way that other antihistamines do. By blocking the response of histamines, it can prevent some of the most frustrating symptoms of allergies, including dry, itchy eyes.

Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is widely available in tablet form. It may also be found in liquid form in some countries. 

Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride is a compound that is used to relieve discomfort or irritation of the eye. It works by extracting some of the water that is collected in the cornea. This reduces swelling and which may be caused by allergies and other irritants. Reduced swelling often means less pain.

Sodium Chloride is available in eye drops. It is also available in ointment form.

What other treatments can bring relief?

If you’re waiting to receive your medications, or if you’ve already maximized your dose, you may be wondering how you can get relief right now. There are some non-medical means that you can use to ease discomfort.

One of the best ways to get relief is by using a cold compress. A cold compress is merely a cloth that has been soaked in cool water. Take the damp cloth and press it against both closed eyes. This should reduce pain and swelling for a short time.

You can also take some steps to reduce the presence of allergens in your home.

• Keep your windows shut
• Vacuum your home when you begin to experience symptoms
• Regularly change your home filters

Taking these steps to reduce allergens may cause your symptoms to clear up for a while.

Find the best eye allergy relief today

Now, you know more about some of the ways that you can get relief from itchy, dry, or red eyes. You should always start by speaking to your doctor. That way, you can confirm that your symptoms are caused by allergies, and not some other condition that needs immediate attention.

You also know some of the over-the-counter allergy treatments that are available to help you manage discomfort and restore your eyes. Try several to find out which options work the best for you.

Finally, you’ve learned some methods that you can use to stay comfortable between doses, or while you’re waiting for your medications to arrive. Use what you’ve learned to finally get relief from painful allergy reactions.

Featured Photo from by Andrew Goloida at Flickr.