by Helena Whyte

Created on: June 23, 2009

There are several OTC (over the counter) eye-care products. They include artificial tears, ointments, eye washes, hyperosmotics, scrubs, decongestants, and antihistamines. Artificial tears lubricate the eyes. Ointments also lubricate the eyes, but they remain in the eyes longer than artificial tears. Ointments can cause blurred vision until they are absorbed. Eye washes rinse debris and chlorinated water from the eye; they will wash dirt and pollen from the eye. Hyperosmotics treat swelling. Scrubs are used to treat eyelid irritation by removing loose skin and oils.

Allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune response to substances called allergens. Eye drops containing both decongestant and an antihistamine are the best eye drops for eye allergies. The decongestant narrows the blood vessels and reduces the eye redness. The antihistamine blocks the histamine receptors in the eye and reduces the symptoms of watery and itchy eyes. The antihistamine in the eye drops may cause burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eye. Rubbing your eyes actually makes them itch more. Prescription eye drops containing a decongestant and an antihistamine are Acular, Livostin, and Patanol. Other prescription eye drops include corticosteroids and eye medications for infections such as pink eye. There are several OTC (over the counter) eye drops that contain a decongestant and an antihistamine. They are Naphcon A, Opcon A, Visine A, or Ocuhist.

The author finds Naphcon A distributed by Alcon to be the most inexpensive choice that actually relieves the allergy symptoms of red, watery, itchy eyes that feel like they are full of sand. One to two drops four times a day will temporarily relieve itchy, red eyes caused by allergies to things like pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, mold, or animal hair and dander. Naphcon A contains the decongestant naphazoline hydrochloride and the antihistamine pheniramine maleate.

Since use of OTC decongestants and antihistamines is not recommended beyond 72 hours, prevention of allergy symptoms may be required. If you have pets, vacuum regularly to reduce pet hair and dander and keep pets out of bedrooms. Shut windows to keep out pollen, ragweed, and grass and invest in hepa filters to filter out allergens. Clean air ducts regularly. Stay indoors if the pollen count is high to reduce seasonal allergies. Pollen counts are usually highest in the early morning and just before sundown. Don't hang laundry outside even if it saves energy because pollen and allergens stick to the fabric and you will bring the allergens indoors with the dry laundry. Wear a simple respirator while mowing the lawn, raking leaves, pulling weeds, or gardening. Wear a scarf over your hair or shower after being outdoors to wash away allergens that collect in your hair.

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