Eye allergy medication, both natural and medical

If your eyes are often itchy, red, or watery, you may have an eye allergy, aka allergic conjunctivitis. Eye allergies cannot be completely cured, but you can relieve the symptoms by natural means, taking medication, or therapy.

Medications are useful for preventing recurrence of allergies in the future. What are the options for allergic conjunctivitis medication and treatment?

Overcoming eye allergies naturally

Eye allergies occur when foreign substances from the environment enter the eye and trigger an immune system response. The immune system considers these foreign substances as a danger, then sends histamine and various other chemical compounds to fight them.

Substances that can trigger allergies are called allergens. Many things around you can be allergens, but the most common are dust, pollen and pet dander. This is what you should avoid if you suffer from eye allergies.

First of all, first identify the substances that cause allergies to your eyes. If the trigger is pollen, try the following tips.

• Avoid traveling when the weather is windy and dusty, or when there is a lot of pollen (usually early morning and late evening).
• Close doors and windows when pollen is in a lot.
• When traveling, avoid areas with lots of grass, trees and flowers.
• Use glasses wrap-around when you have to travel.
• Immediately take a shower and change clothes after returning home.

Allergy triggers often also come from within the home. Even a clean house is not necessarily free from mites, dust, and animal hair. To treat eye allergies at home, here are tips you can do.

• Do not use carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
• Routinely clean the house with vacuum cleaner as well as a damp cloth for the surface of the furniture.
• Wash and change sheets, blankets, and pillowcases regularly.
• Using pillows and bolsters made from synthetic materials.
• Use humidifier to adjust the humidity between 30-50 percent.
• Do not hang a lot of clothes to prevent mold from growing.
• Do not let pets into the bedroom.
• Routinely bathe pets and clean their cages.

Overcoming eye allergies with drugs

If natural methods don't work, you may need medication. Some eye allergy medications can be purchased without a prescription, but you should still consult your doctor before using any type of allergy medication.

Allergy medications have a number of side effects and can potentially trigger an allergic reaction in some people. By consulting a doctor, you can find out what types of drugs you should avoid.

After consultation, you may be advised to use one or more of the following remedies:

1. Artificial tears

Artificial tears help clear allergens that stick to the surface of the eye. These drops are also moisturizing, so they are effective in relieving complaints of itchy, red, and watery eyes.

You can buy artificial tears at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. This medicine can be used as often as you need. However, artificial tears containing preservatives should not be used more than six times a day.

2. Antihistamines

Antihistamines for eye allergies are available in the form of a drink and eye drops. Oral medications can relieve itching in the eyes, but they can cause dry eyes and worsen allergy symptoms if taken in excess.

Meanwhile, antihistamine eye drops are used to treat itching, swelling, and red eyes. This prescription drug works quickly, but its properties may only last a few hours and should be used up to four times a day.

3. Decongestants

Decongestants are useful for treating itchy and red eyes. This medication is available in drop form and can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. However, you should not use it for more than three days as it can worsen eye allergy symptoms.

4. Mast cell stabilizer

Drops mast cell stabilizer help treat symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis such as itchy, swollen, and watery eyes. Mast cell stabilizer must be purchased with a doctor's prescription because the dosage depends on the type of drug you are using.

5. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs can relieve allergic symptoms that are severe or long-lasting. Although effective, the use of corticosteroids must be monitored by a doctor because these drugs have potential side effects in the form of eye infections, glaucoma, and cataracts.

6.Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

Doctors can recommend allergy shots if treatment does not work. Also known as immunotherapy, this therapy aims to train the immune system so that it is no longer sensitive to substances that can trigger allergic conjunctivitis.

The doctor will inject a small dose of the allergen into the outer layer of the skin on your arm. Therapy is carried out 1-2 times a week for 3-5 years. The dose of allergens will continue to be increased until the immune system becomes immune to the allergens.

Like allergy treatment in general, eye allergies can also be treated with natural or medicinal means. Mild eye allergies can usually be treated naturally, but more severe allergies may require further treatment.

If natural remedies do not work for allergies, you can consult a doctor for the right treatment. Consultation is also important considering that some types of allergy medications can cause side effects.