relief for itchy eyes

[Twickle Purple]

I've been using Olopadatine and it gives me almost instant relief for itchy eyes.

Another suggestion, which Perry mentioned in another thread, is Elestat.

[Melissa W]

Hi Corinna,
That is a good one also known as Patanol and is prescription only.
It is for allergy eyes and most itchy eyes are caused by allergens like pollen, dust, mold, pet dander etc.

It falls into the antihistamine category:
Antihistamines. Medications that attach to histamine receptors, preventing the chemical histamine from triggering symptoms of an allergic reaction. This helps keep the blood vessels in the eye from swelling. They also relieve eye itchiness and redness. Eyes drops have a quicker onset and cause less drying of the eye than oral antihistamines. Antihistamines are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Examples include:

Azelastine (Optivar)
Emedastine (Emadine)
Ketotifen (Zaditor)
Levocabastine hydrochloride (Livostin)
Olopatadine (Patanol)
Pheniramine (Opcon-A)

Elestat is also in this category:
Epinastine ophthalmic solution is used to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis (a condition in which the eyes become itchy, swollen, red, and teary when they are exposed to certain substances in the air). Epinastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by preventing the release of natural substances which cause allergic reactions in the eyes.


Then there are the following categories of other meds that may help relieve itchy e

Decongestants. Shrink blood vessels in the eyes that are swollen because of exposure to an allergen. This decreases eye redness, reduces the production of fluid inside the eye and increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye, alleviating watery eyes. Decongestants are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. They should not be used for more than a few days, as overuse of decongestants can trigger a “rebound effect” that actually makes symptoms worse. Examples of decongestants include:

Naphazoline hydrochloride (Allerest, Vasocon)
Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride (Eyesine, Murine Plus, Visine)

I'm not a big fan of these because of the rebound effect.


Antihistamine/decongestant combinations. Combine the efforts of antihistamines and decongestants. These are available over-the-counter. Examples include naphazoline/pheniramine (Naphcon-A, Opcon-A, Visine-A).


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Inhibit the body’s ability to produce chemicals called prostaglandins, which are released during an allergic reaction. Anti-inflammatories reduce eye pain, itching and swelling. They are available by prescription only. Examples include ketorolac (Acular) and nepafenac (Nevanac).


Corticosteroids. Decreases inflammation during an allergic reaction by mimicking the behavior of cortisol, a hormone in the body that aids proper body function during stressful situations. They are only available by prescription. Examples include:

Prednisone acetate (EconoPred, Pred Forte)
Loteprednol etabonate (Alrex, Lotemax)
Fluorometholone (FML)

Again, not the best for rosaceans except for very limited use when very severe symptoms occur.


Mast cell stabilizers (MCS) and MCS combination drops. Strengthen the mast cells to prevent them from releasing histamine and other chemicals that contribute to the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Mast cell stabilizers also reduce eye redness and wateriness. They are available in both over-the-counter and prescription form. Examples include:


Olopatadine hydrochloride (Patanol)
Ketotifen (Zaditor)
Azelastine (Astelin)
Pemirolast (Alamast)
Emedastine (Emadine)
Ketotifen (Zaditor)
Cromolyn (Crolom)
Lodoxamide (Alomide)
Nedocromil (Alocril)

I got most of this info from Dr. Razavi's good to know info.

Lastly, I really like frequent use of preservative-free rewetting drops for itchiness as well as dryness. It flushes your tear film of any irritating debris that may contribute to overall itchiness. I can't state this fact enough. It's all natural and may prevent the need for other meds if used enough.

Best wishes,
Melissa

[Twickle Purple]

Hi Melissa,

That's a terrific list you've posted here. I would also add that anyone getting an Rx from their GP for ocular steroids decline usage. Only an ophthalmologist should prescribe those due to the long term side effects.

I notice that I wrote Olopatadine wrong in my original post

A follow up though to my Olopatadine usage, because of it I now have an infected nasolacrimal duct. I am becoming keenly aware that everything seems to come with a price lately. :?

Feeling defeated and grumpy,
Corinna

[Melissa W]

Corinna, I'm so sorry that you have an infected duct now.
How did the med cause that?
You certainly are right though. Everything has a cost unfortunately but you have had more than your fair share of negative side effects from meds!

I agree 100% that people with ocular rosacea should stay away from steroids except for dire circumstances and then prescribed by a doc who knows his stuff about ocular rosacea. Not an easy find.

I really hope your infection heals soon and you start feeling more cheery and upbeat. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and good thoughts!

All the best,
Melissa