Allergies

If your eyes are red, swollen, or itchy, either seasonally or after exposure to certain things, it is likely that you have some allergies that affect your eyes.

Rinse your eyes with over-the-counter eye washing solutions such as Blinx, Collyrium, or Tears Naturale. What you accomplish is ridding the eye of the allergen-dust, mold, cat hair, or whatever is bothering you.

Avoid using Visine or Murine or any solution that “gets the red out,” because they give only temporary relief from redness without solving your problem. Dr. Baron and many other eye doctors do not recommend them.

Put cold packs on your eyes to reduce swelling and itching.

Use refrigerated NON-preserved artificial tears hourly to sooth and flush the eyes.

Consider trying over over-the-counter antihistamines such as Chlor-Trimeton or Benadryl. If you find this beneficial, you may want to consult your general physician to prescribe other antihistamines.

If you can determine what you are allergic to, such as cat hair, ragweed, pine pollen, dust, or mold- try to avoid contact with any of them to minimize the problem.

Consider using glacier type glasses with side shields when out in the pollinated summer.