Table of Contents

I. Eye Conditions and Eye Allergies

II. Effective Eye Drops

III. Types of Allergies and Avoiding Triggers

IV. Home Remedies to Relieve Symptoms

Eye Conditions and Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, occurs when your immune system responds adversely to outside substances. These substances aren’t dangerous and typically do not require an immune response. Normally, the immune system only fights off harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. With allergic conjunctivitis, the immune system mistakes pollen, dust, smoke, and other allergens as harmful invaders, leading to irritating symptoms. [1]

Several conditions can increase the risk of eye allergies and make allergic symptoms worse. Glaucoma is an eye condition that increases the pressure inside the eyes, inhibiting the eyes’ flushing system. This increases the likelihood of substances irritating the eye. Age-related macular degeneration or chronic dry eye are also conditions that can make the eyes more susceptible to allergies. If you experience eye allergies, your doctor may examine any underlying eye conditions and prescribe the treatment accordingly.

If you experience glaucoma and high eye pressure, your doctor may prescribe Azopt eye drops. To reduce eye inflammation, you may be prescribed a corticosteroid like Lotemax (loteprednol). For chronic dry eye, Restasis (cyclosporine) may be prescribed. Read on to learn about the effectiveness of these eye drops and other ways to prevent eye allergy symptoms.

Effective Eye Drops

In those who have glaucoma, Azopt eye drops are effective at lowering high pressure inside the eye because it contains brinzolamide. Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye. [2]

Lotemax can effectively reduce inflammation symptoms in the eyes because its active ingredient is loteprednol etabonate. Loteprednol etabonate is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and is often prescribed to relieve symptoms of eye allergies. [3]

Restasis can be effective in relieving dry eye-related symptoms. Restasis contains cyclosporine, which is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant. This means that Restasis can encourage tear production and help flush out allergens. [4] These eye drops are effective but may cause certain side effects. Common side effects include:

• Temporary blurred vision
• Double vision
• Unusual taste in the mouth
• Eye discharge
• Headache, stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea [2]

A proper diagnosis by your doctor will help you know which eye drop is right for your eye allergy symptoms. If your allergies are not caused by an underlying eye condition, several home remedies may be sufficient.

Types of Allergies and Avoiding Triggers

Eye allergies can generally be categorized as seasonal or perennial. Seasonal eye allergies are more common and occur during certain times of the year. Triggers of seasonal eye allergies include airborne substances like pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees, along with mold spores. [5]

Perennial eye allergies cause symptoms year-round and are usually caused by dust mites, pet dander, perfumes, smoke, and chlorine. Certain medications may also contribute to perennial eye allergies. [5]

Before discussing home remedies, it is important to emphasize the importance of trigger avoidance. By avoiding triggers, you can prevent symptoms from occurring and avoid the need for remedies. It is best if you are able to identify the triggers that affect you and avoid them accordingly.

Generally, checking the pollen count and staying indoors when the count is high can help. Mid-morning and early evening are usually when the pollen count is the highest. When indoors, close the windows and use an air conditioner to limit the number of mold spores that enter the room. Wearing sunglasses when you go outdoors can prevent allergens from entering your eyes. [5]

Because dust mites are another common eye allergen, it is important to wash your pillow and mattress covers often to limit your exposure. Consider replacing your mattress if it is more than a few years old. [5]

Home Remedies to Relieve Symptoms

Eye allergies are often due to problems with the immune system, so boosting the immune system is always a good idea. You can do this with the introduction of helpful bacteria like probiotics to reduce your reaction to pollen, dust, and grass. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like kombucha or kimchi.

Eye allergies are also often accompanied by excess mucus production. Consuming a mixture of apple cider vinegar with a bit of honey mixed in hot water can help clear up mucus. It is even better if you use local honey, which can include small amounts of local pollen that acts as a natural vaccine because it is produced by local bees.

Exercising can have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, but it is understandable if you don’t feel like working out when your allergy symptoms are acting up. However, evidence shows that just 30 minutes of physical activity can provide significant symptom relief, so try working out indoors to reap the benefits of exercise while avoiding outdoor allergens. [6]

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.