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How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Allergies

If you’re suffering from eye allergies, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans deals with the annoyance of eye allergies, or ocular allergies also known as allergic conjunctivitis. While the symptoms caused by eye allergies can be bothersome, they rarely present a permanent threat to eyesight. You can almost always find how to relieve itchy eyes quickly when you take the right steps.

However, it’s important to note that itching, redness, burning sensations and puffiness can also be signs of infection. In cases of infection, see your doctor if the symptoms don’t improve with time or with treatment such as over-the-counter remedies.

If you think you may have eye allergies, here are some helpful tips on how to get relief from your red, itchy, and watery eyes.

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1.) Avoiding Allergens

Keep an eye on pollen count forecasts. If the count is going to be high, consider staying indoors. A remedy to relieve itching eyes is to replace the filters in your air conditioner and/or furnace. This will help trap allergens while creating a more comfortable environment.

2.) Use a Cold Compress

While rubbing itchy eyes may feel natural, the contact with the eyes will release more histamine and aggravate the symptoms. In other words, rubbing itchy eyes may make the problem worse. You can relieve itchy eyes by using a cold-water compress placed over your closed eyes. This will help relieve the itchy sensation while also preventing you from rubbing your eyes. A cold-water compress isn't only an easy solution, but it's also the first natural remedy for itchy eyes you should try.

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3.) Remove Your Contacts

Did you know that the surface of contact lenses can attract and accumulate airborne allergens? If you are looking for ways to find relief for itchy or irritated eyes, you may want to consider wearing glasses during the allergy season. Also, consider switching to disposable lenses. This way, your contacts aren’t accumulating allergens for days.

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4.) Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Your local pharmacy has many types of over-the-counter saline eye drops and remedies that may provide relief for your red, watery, and itchy eyes. This approach isn’t only convenient, but also budget-friendly. Your doctor can help you find the best saline eye drop brand for your symptoms.

5.) Prescription Medications

If eye drops are not providing itchy eye relief for moderate to severe, symptoms, it may be a good time to talk to your doctor about what prescription options are available. If your itchy eyes are from allergies, prescription antihistamines may help relieve your symptoms.

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How Long Do Itchy Eyes Last?

If your itchy eyes are from allergies, your symptoms can last through the pollen season. That can be anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Eye Care Solutions

If you need assistance with itchy eyes, or have a vision or an eye problem, give our staff of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to book an appointment. We offer eye care solutions to clients such as LASIK eye surgery, glaucoma treatments, cataract surgery, macular degeneration treatments, and presbyopia surgery. Our staff is committed to offering new and innovative treatments to patients.