Many people who have allergies may have eye symptoms, a condition called allergic conjunctivitis. Over-the-counter allergy drops may help relieve allergy symptoms, but some allergy sufferers may require a prescription medication. An eye doctor will examine the eyes for allergic inflammation, and if he feels the patient needs a stronger medication, he will write a prescription. The allergy sufferer may need to use the eye drops only during the peak allergy season or with persistent symptoms.
Redness
Redness often appears as one of the first eye symptoms with allergies. The blood vessels in the white of the eye become inflamed, which makes the eye appear red, states the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Some people find that the redness will dissipate on its own within a few hours or a day. However, some allergy sufferers may need to use allergy eye drops to relieve the redness.
Irritation
Allergies often cause the eyes to itch and feel scratchy or irritated. Some people find that placing a cool washcloth over the eyes helps relieve itching, explains the American Optometric Association. Artificial tears kept in the refrigerator may help relieve itching and irritation since the cool drop often acts as an anesthetic for a short time. Most pharmacies carry artificial tears, which do not contain medications. Most people use the artificial tears safely without a problem. However, people with sensitivities to preservatives may wish to use preservative-free artificial tears. If itching and irritation persists, allergy eye drops will gradually relieve discomfort.
Discharge
Watery eyes commonly occur in people with allergies. Artificial tears may help with watery eyes, though this will not treat or resolve the condition like allergy eye drops. Some people also have a thicker, mucous-like discharge. During the night, the discharge may dry on the eyelashes causing the eyes to stick shut in the morning. Place a warm, wet wash cloth gently against the eyes to allow the matter to loosen, and then gently wash eyelids and eye lashes to remove debris.
Swelling
As a result of eye allergies, many people have puffy or swollen eyelids. The conjunctiva, the outer layer of the white of the eye, also lines the inside of the eyelids. When the white of the eye appears inflamed, the inner eyelids will also have inflammation. Placing a cool washcloth on the eyes may help reduce swelling. Swollen lids should also improve gradually with the use of allergy eye drops.
