This quick post is for anyone whose allergies go straight to their eyes: the itchy, watery, rub-them-till-they're-red misery of pollen season. I'd had nasal allergies for years before my eyes joined in, and I tried a few things before finding what works for me.
Antihistamine Eye Drops (Zaditor)
Over-the-counter ketotifen antihistamine drops for itchy, watery eyes from pollen, pets and dust.
Why it helps: Antihistamine drops target the cause of allergic eye itch, rather than just reducing redness like many basic drops. Check the label for age limits and contact lens directions.
Check price on AmazonMy experience
The over-the-counter drops that work for me are Zaditor. The itch stops almost right after the first use. I use them for a few days in a row when the season starts, and I'm usually comfortable from then on.
Before that I tried basic redness-relief drops, and the itch just didn't go away. My sister later gave Zaditor to a colleague who was suffering, and it worked for him too. It has become one of those small, practical "I thought of you" gifts.
Why antihistamine drops are different
Itchy allergy eyes are caused by histamine, released when pollen, pet dander or dust lands on the eye. Antihistamine eye drops such as ketotifen (the active ingredient in Zaditor and some store brands) block that reaction, and also help stop the cells from releasing more histamine.
Many classic "get the red out" drops work differently: they shrink the blood vessels to reduce redness, which doesn't treat the itch, and they aren't meant for long-term use. That's probably why they didn't help me.
Tips for itchy allergy eyes
Read the label for age limits and how to use drops with contact lenses. See a doctor for eye pain, changes in vision, light sensitivity, thick discharge, or redness in just one eye. Those aren't typical allergy symptoms.
More ideas for allergy sufferers: gifts for someone with nasal allergies.