elmhar

Thanks for the warnings. Quite a price to pay for treating allergies! Were you folks given a trial of topical cortisone sterile ophthalmic drops before going to the larger oral dosing?

I get severe eye allergies, but the drops really do the trick, and at a miniscule dose compared to what you all were taking, because it's just used locally. Still, not w/out risk, tho' I've never had complications & do use the cortisone eyedrops only when absolutely necessary. I also take an oral prescription antihistamine.

Please note I'm not talking about OTC eyedrops, or even Rx antihistamine eyedrops. IME, only ophthamologists will Rx the cortisone eyedrops. Allergists & GPs will give the oral meds. I did ask my allergist why that was & he said it wasn't in their clinical toolbox, that you need a full eye exam & followup to safely use it, etc.

IME, there are a few practical tips for coping w/eye allergies. First, find out what the specific triggers are & practice avoidance of the allergens as much as possible. If makeup, switch brands or do without. If airborne pollen, reduce your time outdoors when the pollen levels are high. The American Academy of Allergists & Immunologists can direct you to their regularly updated pollen counts for most every area of the country.

Frequent hair washing is helpful for eye allergies, as is having a style that keeps hair away from the eyes. The total surface area of hair, combined with it's natural oils & follicular structure, make hair a reservoir for pollen. So, if you go outside 3 times on a windy, high-pollen day, wash your hair immediately each time after you come into the house. Or use a clean, really tight headcovering each time & discard it when you come into the house.

HEPA filters are helpful for making one's home a haven during allergy season.

Cleansing the eyes frequently with nonirritating eyedrops (Like Genteal preservative-free OTC) was rec. to me by my opthamologist. He is of the opinion that I should do this 4x/ HOUR day & night during pollen season ... well, I'd rather sleep at night, but it is a very helpful comfort measure & does decrease the overall histamine load to the eyes.

Best wishes.