Allergy Medications Damaging Eyes - Allergies Message Board

maybaby59 · 01-12-2005, 08:42 PM

Hi,
I was diagnosed with year 'round allergies in the late 80's and have been on a combination of antihistamines/decongestants/steroids since then to control my symptons. I also tried allergy shots for about 2 years and noticed no difference in my condition. It has recently been determined that my eyes and vision are suffering due to the use of the meds. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a medication that is neither an antihistamine nor steroid that could control the usual symptons (sneezing, stuffiness, itching, tearing eyes, etc)? Any help would be appreciated.
Trish

sneezydiva · 01-13-2005, 05:47 PM

I have heard long term steroid use can cause eye problems, but have never heard that about antihistimines. What exactly did they tell you about the antihistimines?

Allergy shots can take up to 5 years to work completely. Also, sinus problems can mask the improvement in allergies. I didn't think my shots had kicked in yet, but after my surgery--Wow, they had been working just fine, it was sinsusitis that was making me miserable.

CheerAngel · 01-14-2005, 09:19 AM

Hi Trish, are you on oral steroids or nasal spray steroids? The oral steroids can do damage to your eyes especially if you are on them long term daily. However, if they are nasal sprays, the medication doesn't pass your GI tract and then get absorb into the blood stream, the side effects won't be great and are very minimal.

Antihistamines can cause dryness which affects the eyes and mouth; the dry eyes can do damage to your vision like scratches..etc. What's the problem with your eyes? Do you have a diagnosis yet?

I know of 2 types of allergy shots, one is the non-intensive type which last over a period of years. Another is over a period of months-It is more intensive and can be more dangerous than the other as there might be more problems. Sometimes, it might take years before allergy shots work so 2 years might not be enough for you. Good luck!

p.s. I'm not sure if immunosuppresant or chemo drugs that suppress the immune system might be helpful in 'curing' allergies. You might want to discuss with your doc abt this.