Having itchy, red eyes can be extremely bothersome. Frequently the cause of these symptoms is simply eye allergies which are triggered by something in the environment. There are multiple options for treating this type of allergy, but the most common method is to use eye drops daily while the allergic reaction is ongoing and possibly daily for even longer to prevent recurrences. Allergy eye drops are available to be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies and other medication retailers. When purchasing allergy eye drops, it is important to understand the difference between the types and brands of allergy eye drops.
Signs and Symptoms of Eye Allergies
Eye allergies are often marked by chronically red, irritated, and itchy eyes. Most of the time, allergies will affect both eyes similarly and will be long-lasting in duration.
Some cases will occur in specific seasons or times of the year. This is due to the presence of allergen-like pollen that is more abundant at this time of the year.
What Eye Drops are Good for Ocular Allergies?
There are two main categories of eye drops that are used for treating eye allergies. For short-term relief and treatment, there are antihistamine eye drops.
For longer-term use and relief, there are mast cell stabilizers that can prevent future allergic reactions.
In most over-the-counter eye drops, these two types of medications are combined into a single eye drop to provide both short- and long-term relief.
Best Brands of Allergy Eye Drops?
There are many different brands and medications that can be used for eye allergies.
Some of the most common and most effective eye drops include Pataday (olopatadine), Lastacaft (alcaftadine), Alaway (ketotifen fumarate), Zaditor (ketotifen fumarate), and Bepreve (bepotastine).
Each of these different brands and medications has specific benefits compared to the others, but are all used to treat the symptoms of eye allergies.
Pataday for Eye Allergies
Frequently, Pataday is the first anti-allergy eye drop that is recommended by an eye doctor.
This is due to the fact that Pataday is one of the most effective eye drops at relieving the symptoms of eye allergies and is only required to be used once per day.
The ease of use and efficacy have made Pataday the gold standard for treating eye allergies.
Lastacaft for Eye Allergies
Lastacaft has recently been switched from a prescription-only to an over-the-counter medication.
Like Pataday, Lastacaft is highly effective and dosed only once per day.
The biggest difference and benefit of Lastacaft over Pataday is that Lastacaft has been shown to be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In contrast, Pataday and the other eye drops for eye allergies have not been evaluated.
If pregnant, breastfeeding, or likely to become pregnant, Lastacaft should be the choice to treat eye allergies.
Alaway, Zaditor, and Bepreve
Alaway, Zaditor, and Bepreve are slightly older medications that are generally considered somewhat less effective than Pataday and Lastacaft.
These medications are all used twice daily for the treatment and prevention of eye allergies.
These medications may be more affordable than either Pataday or Lastacaft and can provide a cost-effective alternative if needed.
Our eye doctor at Brooklyn Eye Care excels in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye issues such as eye allergies. Call our optometrist at (763) 999-6116 to schedule your appointment today. Our eye doctor, Dr. Vivian Ekemezie provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Brooklyn Park, MN area.