Eye Allergy Advice for Central Oregon

Each year about this time when spring finally does come to Central Oregon many of us suffer the classic seasonal allergy eye symptoms – itchy, red, watery eyes.

First rule in allergy relief – as hard as it seems – is don’t rub those itchy eyes. Rubbing itchy eyes makes them red, irritated, puffy and sore because it causes a release of a chemical called histamine that is located in the eye tissues. For this reason, rubbing eyes actually can make them even more itchy. Using certain types of eye drops for relief may help you resist the temptation to rub itchy eyes.

Although we will continue to prescribe the two blockbuster allergy eye drops Pataday and Bepreve which work wonderfully well for eye allergies, we are now often asked for a less expensive alternative medication since more patients are having to pay for these “out-of-pocket” either because of no insurance or insurance companies not covering these medications.

Consider using a good artificial tear to wash out the eyes after being outdoors. Wash your hair before you retire in the evening (pollens remain in the hair and then get transferred to your pillow). Also remember that cold is a natural anti-allergy treatment therefore allergy symptoms can be improved by placing a cold compress on the closed eyelid for five minutes 2 to 3 times per day during allergy times.

Another treatment for ocular allergies is one of the newer Over-the-Counter (OTC) eye drops. The specific brands we recommend are Zaditor and Alaway. Avoid the OTC combination antihistamine and vasoconstrictor (Naphcon-A, Visine-A and Opcon-A). While these initially seem helpful in reducing the itch and “getting the red out” they can unfortunately induce some long-term allergic and red eyes. Remember not all over-the-counter drops are created equal.

If you are still bothered by itchy, red and watery eyes it may be appropriate to set up a medical eye visit with Dr. Scott or Dr. Carmiencke to determine the cause.