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Eye Allergies: Overview
Eye allergies are one of the most common disorders of the eye, affecting an estimated 40 million Americans. There are two types of eye allergies that are most common: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs during the spring and fall. It's triggered by outdoor allergens such as tree, grass and weed pollen.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis persists throughout the year. It's caused by constantly present indoor allergens such as dust, mold, animal hair and pet dander.
Eye Allergies: Causes
Eye allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune response to relatively harmless substances called allergens. Common allergens that cause eye allergies include pollen, dust, mold, animal hair and pet dander. When these allergens come in contact with the surface of the eye, an allergic reaction occurs. This releases histamines that cause the irritating symptoms associated with eye allergies.
Eye Allergies: Symptoms
Itchy eyes are the most common symptom of eye allergies. Other symptoms may include redness, swelling, or watering.
Eye Allergies: Treatment
Eye allergies can be treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory agents. These are available as both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
Itchy Eyes: Treatment
Zaditor provides fast, long-lasting relief of itchy eyes caused by allergens. Previously available only with a prescription from a healthcare professional, Zaditor is available OTC in its original prescription strength. It relieves itchy eyes within minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours with just one drop. And Zaditor is the first OTC itchy eye treatment that's safe for children 3 years of age and older.
Many OTC medications that treat itchy eyes contain vasoconstrictors. Vasoconstrictors (decongestants) reduce the redness in the eye by narrowing the blood vessels in a process known as "vasoconstriction." With overuse, vasoconstrictors can cause rebound redness, leaving the eyes red for a period of time after discontinuation. Zaditor treats itchy eyes without a vasoconstrictor, so rebound redness is not a concern.
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