Hay fever can result in red, itchy eyes that can be extremely frustrating to live with. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and your oral medication is not effective for eye irritation, you may wish to consider special eye drops for hay fever. Typically, it is a good idea to speak to your physician about the advisability of using eye drops for hay fever, as some people should avoid the use of eyedrops. It may also be that your physician can offer you prescription eye drops that are more effective than over-the-counter varieties. If you are choosing an over-the-counter eye drop, you should look for one that is packaged and marketed for reducing allergy symptoms.
Pollen allergies can affect the body in many different ways, and many individuals who suffer from hay fever complain of eye irritation. In some cases, taking an oral antihistamine can greatly assist in addressing multiple hay fever symptoms. But if watery, red eyes continue to be a problem for you, using eyedrops may help. It is generally a good idea to make sure that your eye irritation is caused by your hayfever, as there are many different types of eye drops, and some are better suited to treating allergy related irritation than others.
Over-the-counter eye drops for hay fever typically include a non-prescription antihistamine which can help stop the inflammation in response to pollen exposure. These eye drops may also help to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If you find that over-the-counter eyedrops for hay fever are not effective, talk to your doctor about prescription eye drops. The types of eye drops your doctor can prescribe include more effective, prescription-strength antihistamines. She may also use corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatories to control your condition.
Individuals who have eye infections are cautioned not to use eye drops for hay fever, but should instead follow their doctor's instructions for treating their condition. If you wear contact lenses, it is generally suggested that you wait at least ten minutes after using allergy eye drops before inserting your contact lenses, and if you are receiving a prescription for eye drops for hay fever from a new physician, you should always tell him or her about any eye conditions or medications that you are currently taking, as using allergy eye drops may be contraindicated in your situation. If you find that your allergy eyedrops are not working, you should seek medical attention as this might be an indication that you have a more serious condition or infection.
