Joel Kestenbaum O.D. is a VSP provider in Long Island, NY.
We welcome back Dr. Kestenbaum with a post on allergies and how you can help ease the itchy, watery eyes that come with them.
Every year, I stock up on over-the-counter allergy eye drops and pre-write prescriptions for allergy medications in anticipation of the droves of patients reporting to me with eye allergy symptoms. These symptoms include itchy, red and watery eyes, a gritty feeling and reduced contact lens tolerance. These symptoms are caused by airborne allergens including pollen, mold, dust and pet dander.
The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergens that cause them. But, given the reality that life brings, we all know that this is nearly impossible. So we have to find alternative methods to treat the symptoms that allergies bring.
Sunglasses help to prevent pollen from blowing into your eyes especially on windy days. Staying indoors on bad allergy days is a choice for some. For others, contact lenses usually become difficult to wear during allergy season. But certain types of contact lenses approved by the FDA for people with allergies can also help to reduce symptoms. Read more »
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