Allergies Archives | EZOnTheEyes

Red Eye Drops: Do They Really Work?

Written By Courtney Dryer

3,208 total views, 0 today

“Get the red out” eye drops are often advertised as a quick, easy solution for red, irritated eyes. These red eye drops are popular, cheap, and readily available.

Who hasn’t picked up one of these at the drugstore for a recurring red eye? But are they safe for long-term use?

While these products can temporarily reduce redness, they often contain ingredients called vasoconstrictors that constrict blood vessels to alleviate redness for a short time. Unfortunately, chronic use of these red eye drops can lead to long-term eye health issues, including “rebound redness,” worsening dryness, and even more serious eye conditions.

What Is Contact Lens Allergy? Your Complete Guide

Written By Michael Healy

3,323 total views, 0 today

Since being introduced in 1994, daily disposable contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction by offering convenience and flexibility to over 45% of the 40 million contact users in the United States. However, for some, discomfort and eye irritation have raised concerns about the potential of having a contact lens allergy.

Allergic reactions to contact lenses can show up in various ways, impacting comfort, vision, and overall eye health. If you wear daily disposable contact lenses and have noticed ongoing eye discomfort or irritation characterized by dry eye, itching, or increased watering of the eyes, you might wonder if you are allergic to your contact lenses.

This post takes a detailed look at what contact lens allergies are, explores their symptoms, potential causes, and diagnosis, and shares strategies to help manage discomfort stemming from a contact lens allergy.

Eye Infections: The Difference Between Eye Colds and Pink Eye

Written By Michael Healy

3,222 total views, 0 today

Eye infections are common ailments that many of us experience at some point in our lives. In fact, eye infections are so common that each year, an estimated 1 million Americans make visits to their doctor specifically for eye-related infections.

While commonly referred to as eye infections, two terms related to the condition that are often used interchangeably are “eye colds” and “pink eye.” While both conditions affect the eyes, they are very different in their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Allergies and Contacts: Our Top Tips for Managing Allergy Season

Written By Michael Healy

3,790 total views, 0 today

Most people consider spring to be when allergy season strikes. Tree pollen hits hardest come early spring, but is then followed by grass pollen in the late spring, weed pollen in the summer, and ragweed pollen in the late summer and deep into fall. And, according to Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, it’s always allergy season because, in addition to lengthy pollen seasons, year-round offenders include dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Allergies are especially hard on contact lens wearers. Allergies and contacts can be a tricky mix.

It’s bad enough that you wake up and your eyes feel gritty, swollen, and itchy. Then you have to put in your contact lenses. Ouch.

According to the American Optometric Association, there are approximately 45 million contact lenses wearers in the United States. Many cease wearing contact lenses due to seasonal allergies. Some stop only temporarily, while others throw in the towel and give up on wearing contacts.

But you don’t have to. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options available can bring relief and help you weather allergies and contacts issues.