What are allergy eye drops?

Authored by

Dr Adam Williams

12 January 2023

Reviewed by

Samantha Burgess

Lead Healthcare Content Creator

The feeling of having something in your eye is an unpleasant thing. However, this may be caused by allergies if you have red, itchy eyes and are unable to see anything in them.

Although they can happen on their own, symptoms of eye allergies typically go together with sneezing, sniffling, or stuffy noses. Irritants such as dirt, smoking, chemicals, and chlorine can also induce eye swelling and redness. This is not a typical allergic reaction. The same eye irritation can be caused by viruses and bacteria. This isn't an allergic reaction either. Some drugs and cosmetics can also trigger allergic reactions in the eyes.

You can identify all of your allergies and intolerances by taking an easy home alergy test. Your well-being and energy levels during the day might be significantly improved by simply eliminating these allergies from your daily interactions after they have been discovered.
You must contact your doctor after identifying the issue for proper dose and medicine.

Types of Eye Allergies

The following are the most common types of eye allergies:

Seasonal Allergy

It is the most frequent type of ocular allergic reaction. Those who suffer from such allergies get symptoms throughout the spring, fall, and summer. This is usually based on the type of plant particles inside the air.

Perennial Allergic Reaction

Similar to seasonal allergies, this form of eye infection produces minor symptoms. Mould, dust mites, common household allergies, and pet dander are the reasons behind this year-round problem.

VKC (Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis)

It is a severe eye allergy that can happen at any time of year. However, this type of allergic reaction suffers from seasonal worsening of symptoms. Boys and young men are the most commonly affected by this allergy. The majority of individuals even have eczema or asthma. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) is a type of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis that lasts all year.

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Atopic eye infection strikes elderly patients, particularly those patients who have a history of allergy dermatitis. This allergy, like a vernal allergy, exhibits symptoms all year long.

Contact Allergy

This allergy, as the name implies, is caused by contact lens irritation.

Giant Papillary Allergy

Giant papillary is a severe form of contact allergy in which the top lining of the inner eyelid develops into separate fluid sacs.

What Are Eye Allergy Drops?

Allergy eye drops are liquid medications used to treat the symptoms of allergies in the eyes.

Decongestant Eye Drops

Decongestant eye drops relieve eye redness immediately. They function by constricting the blood vessels around and within the eyes. Several decongestant eye drops contain one or two other medicines, such as zinc or glycerin. These can improve overall the redness alleviation qualities of the eye drops or give moisture.

Moisturizers and Artificial Tears

Dry eyes are quite common. It can sometimes be associated with red, irritated eyes. Eye drops that resemble natural tears may help some persons restore moisture to their eyes.

Artificial tears are available in the form of eye drops, gels, and ointments. Gels and ointments are heavier and last longer in the eye. This can help you use them less frequently throughout the day. However, they may cause mild blurry vision immediately after application.

Mast cell stabilizer eye drops

Mast cell stabilizers eye drops are only accessible via prescription. They function by making mast cells less prone to produce histamines. Unlike over-the-counter antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drops, these do not stop histamine's effects. As a result, they're less effective.

OTC combination allergy eye drops

Some over-the-counter allergy eye drops contain an antihistamine as well as a decongestant. Lubricants may be used to add moisture.

Anti-inflammatory eye drops

No steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are the two major types of anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corticosteroids and NSAIDs both help to decrease swelling and discomfort in and around the eyes.
They often perform less than mast cell stabilizer/antihistamine drops. Eye drops with anti-inflammatory properties are typically prescribed to treat more severe symptoms. Additionally, they should only be used for a short period.

Preservatives

Preservatives can be added to eye drops to inhibit bacteria growth and extend the product's shelf life. These substances can sometimes irritate your eyes.

Non-Preservatives

Non-preservative eye drops or preservative-free eye drops do not contain the chemical used to extend shelf life. To avoid contamination, these drops are frequently available in single-use vials and should be discarded within 24 hours. Preservative-free drops are more costly than other drops

Hay fever Eye Drops

Hay fever is a typical allergy disease. Itchy, red, or watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing are among hay fever symptoms. Pollen can irritate the eyes of some people. Our body's natural response is to wipe the dander away, which is why some people get watery eyes.
While applying hay fever eye drops, remove contact lenses. Hay fever eye drops must be discarded after 4 weeks

How Can Eye Drops Help?

A variety of eye diseases can be treated with eye drops. For example, your doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat an infection, a small eye injury, or a condition such as glaucoma.
But first, you should identify your allergy by taking a test at home.

When your eyes are irritated, you may grab over-the-counter eye drops first. When your tears are insufficient to lubricate and moisturize your eyes, eye drops, commonly known as artificial tears, can help.

Eye Allergy Triggers

Pollen from grass, trees, and weeds are examples of outdoor allergies.
Dust mites, mould, and pet dander are examples of indoor allergies.
Cigarette smoke, perfume, and vehicle exhaust are examples of eye allergy triggers.

To learn more about Allergies, read our comprehensive guide that covers: Allergies:, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment options.

If you are looking for treatments for hay fever or general allergens, then visit our extensive page with allergy and hayfever medication and tablets.

What to do and what not to do if you have allergic eyes

Don’t wear your contact lenses (if your symptoms are severe or your cornea is impacted) until your eyes have improved and 24 hours have passed since the previous dosage of ointment/drops (if they were required)
Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Avoid eye makeup.
Wash your hands regularly
Washing your eyes in cold water with a flannel or with an over-the-counter 'eye bath' may help relieve symptoms.
Try to keep yourself away from the allergy's source
Put on shades or glasses to protect your eyes from pollen.
Remove contact lenses while applying hay fever eye drops.