Learn All About Eye Allergies

Learn All About Eye Allergies By Daniel More, MD  Symptoms of eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, include watery, itchy, red, sore, swollen and stinging of the eyes. Itching of the eyes is the most important symptom of allergic conjunctivitis. Without itching, it is much less likely that a person is suffering from allergies of the eyes. Both eyes are usually affected, although one eye may be more symptomatic than the other. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is the most common form of eye allergy, with grass and ragweed pollens being the most important seasonal triggers. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) is also very common, with animal dander, feathers and dust mites being the most important triggers.   Zaditor and Alaway for Eye Allergies  Zaditor and Alaway both contain the active ingredient ketotifen, which is a topical antihistamine eye drop for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Ketotifen is also marketed under the brands Claritin Eye and Zyrtec Eye. All of these medicines are available over-the-counter without a prescription. The active ingredient is the same in all of these eye drops -- ketotifen -- which works in two different ways to treat eye allergies. READ NOW Patanol and Pataday for Eye Allergies  Patanol and Pataday (olopatadine) are topical antihistamine eye drops used to treat itchy eyes associated with allergic conjunctivitis. These eye drops work in two ways to treat eye allergies –- they block the effects of histamine and prevent the further release of allergic chemicals from mast cells. Although Patanol and Pataday use the same chemical, olopatadine, Pataday has twice the concentration of olopatadine than Patanol. The usual dose of Pataday is one drop in each eye once daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older, and the dose of Patanol is one drop in each eye twice daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older. READ NOW Lastacaft for Eye Allergies  Lastacaft (alcaftadine) is an eye drop approved for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Lastacaft treats eye allergies by acting as an antihistamine, as well as acting to stabilize mast cells from releasing allergic chemicals (including histamine) during an allergic reaction. Lastacaft has the ability to block various types of histamine receptors, including H1, H2, and H4, all of which are important in eye allergy. READ NOW Food Allergy versus Food Intolerance  Learn the important differences between a true food allergy and a food intolerance. READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE NEXT Quiz: How Assertive Are You? Understanding Asthma Could You Have BPD? Quiz: What's Your Yoga Personality? Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Were You Affected by an Alcoholic Parent? Do You Have What It Takes to Pass Psychology 101? Are You More of an Extrovert or an Introvert? AN ABOUT.COM BRAND You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2016 Verywell.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.