How Are Eye-Related Allergies Treated?
- Posted on: Dec 15 2014
Ocular allergies (allergies affecting the eyes) can be aggravating and sometimes painful. Those with itchy, red, watery, swollen eyes that also experience chronic congestion and a runny nose should be tested for allergies. In order to properly diagnose ocular allergies, an ophthalmologist uses a “scratch test” method, which is a non-invasive in-office procedure where tiny amounts of 58 of the most common allergens are scratched along the forearms of the patient. The tiny pricks that swell the most, are marked as positive allergic reactions. Once the specific allergies have been determined, an ophthalmologist can recommend a course for treatment. To follow is some information about the different ways ocular allergies can be treated.
Top Four Treatments for Ocular Allergies
- Avoidance. Once a patient knows what he or she is allergic to, they can do their best to avoid the allergen, or the trigger that causes an allergic response. By avoiding known allergens, most patients report a reduction in symptoms. However, not all allergies can be avoided. For example, in the spring when the trees begin to bloom, it is impossible for someone with a pollen allergy not to go outside. Avoidance is a good measure to take in reducing symptoms, but sometimes it’s not enough.
- Pharmacotherapy. In addition to avoidance, some patients may require a combination of oral and topical antihistamine medications. For example, many patients may benefit from an over-the-counter antihistamine and the use of eye drops.
- Alternative Therapy. For patients that are not interested in taking prescription or man-made drugs, alternative all-natural nutritional supplements have shown success in many patients. All-natural supplements often do not have associated side-effects. To determine which supplements might work for you, consult your ophthalmologist.
- Immunotherapy, is the medical term for allergy shots. This course of treatment requires dedication from the patient and can prove time-consuming. However, allergy shots are extremely successful in the long term. Immunotherapy has proven to potentially cure allergies over time, and is the only allergy treatment that can do so.
Do You Suffer from Eye Allergies? Contact Dr. Giyaur.
For ocular allergy diagnostic testing and treatment, contact ophthalmologist Dr. Julia Giyaur in Brooklyn and Rego Park. Our offices can be reached at 718.676.6464. We look forward to helping you see clearly.
Posted in: Ocular Allergies
