Treating Red, Itchy “Allergy Eyes” (NAPSA)—Taking a few simple steps can help relieve symptomsofallergies, whenever they strike. ‘An estimated 50 million Americanssuffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America—and manywill tell you that ragweed and mold strike allergy sufferers hardin thefall. Fall allergies can wreak havoc on noses, throats and especially the eyes. In fact, according to a Harris Interactive Survey, people whosuffer from allergies say that their most bothersome and most experienced symptom is itchy “allergy eyes.” Fortunately, there are ways to find relief. Renowned optometrist Dr. Elise Brisco says the key lies in a powerful antihistamine knownas “Ketotifen Fumarate.” “It works by blocking allergy receptors on the eyes and by decreasing the release of histaminefrom cells in the eye,” she explains. You can find it in Visine All Day EyeItch Relief. Dr. Brisco saysnootherover-the-counter eye drop worksfaster and lasts longer to relieveitchy eyes. “It works within minutes and lasts up to 12 hours,”she says. “Prescription medications taken orally can take up to 90 minutes to start working, so eye drops are a great fast fix for itchy allergy A little house cleaning and the right over-the-counter eye drops could help treat itchy eyes. * Keep windows shut to keep out ragweed and other outdoor allergens. Regularly clean or change the air filters in your heating and cooling system to keepindoorair fresh. Put allergy-proof covers on pillows, mattresses and comforters to wardoff dust mites. * After being outdoors, use a sterile saline eyewash to clean out your eyes, then use an over-thecountereye drop. * Do not hang laundry to dry outdoors because allergens might stick to the clothes. * Glasses and sunglasses act as a barrier or shield to minimize allergensfrom stickingto your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, choose a daily disposable lens to eyes.” minimizeallergen accumulation. Dr. Brisco offers these addiLearn More tional tips: Visit www.visine.com for more * Vacuum and dust often to information about eyeallergies reduceallergens such as dust and and waystorelieve the discomfort pet dander. and annoyance they can cause.
