Best Over The Counter Allergy Medicine For Itchy Eyes
Allergies can be a real pain, especially when they affect your eyes. Itchy, watery, and red eyes can really put a damper on your day. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter allergy medicines that can help alleviate your symptoms. In this article, we will be discussing the best over the counter allergy medicine for itchy eyes.
What Causes Itchy Eyes?
Itchy eyes are often caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, they trigger an immune response that causes your eyes to become itchy, red, and watery. Other causes of itchy eyes include dry eyes, infections, and irritants such as smoke or chemicals.
Types of Over-The-Counter Allergy Medicines for Itchy Eyes
There are several types of over-the-counter allergy medicines that can help relieve itchy eyes. These include:
- Antihistamines
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Decongestants
- Steroid eye drops
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most commonly used allergy medicine for itchy eyes. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergic reactions. Some common antihistamines include:
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Antihistamines come in pill form and can also be found in eye drops. They are generally safe and effective for most people, but they can cause drowsiness in some individuals.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers work by preventing the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions. They are available in eye drops and are often used to treat seasonal allergies. Some common mast cell stabilizers include:
- Alaway (ketotifen)
- Zaditor (ketotifen)
- Optivar (azelastine)
Mast cell stabilizers are generally safe and effective for most people, but they can take several weeks to start working.
Decongestants
Decongestants work by shrinking the blood vessels in the eyes, which can help reduce redness and swelling. They are available in pill form and as eye drops. Some common decongestants include:
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- Afrin (oxymetazoline)
- Visine LR (tetrahydrozoline)
Decongestants can be effective for short-term relief of itchy eyes, but they can also cause side effects such as jitteriness and increased heart rate.
Steroid Eye Drops
Steroid eye drops are a more potent form of allergy medicine and are usually only used for severe cases of itchy eyes. They work by reducing inflammation in the eyes. Some common steroid eye drops include:
- Lotemax (loteprednol)
- Pred Forte (prednisolone)
- Durezol (difluprednate)
Steroid eye drops can be effective for reducing inflammation, but they can also cause side effects such as increased eye pressure and cataracts.
Conclusion
If you suffer from itchy eyes due to allergies, there are many over-the-counter allergy medicines that can help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are the most commonly used medicines and are generally safe and effective for most people. Decongestants and steroid eye drops are more potent forms of allergy medicine and are usually only used for severe cases. If you are unsure which allergy medicine is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.