Answers to your questions about itchy allergy eyes...and how ELESTAT® can help. Allergies are a fact of life for many of us. The more you know about eye allergies, the better prepared you will be to effectively deal with the symptoms you experience. This Web site will give you an understanding of what causes your itchy allergy eyes and why ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution, with its fast-acting, long-lasting, and soothing relief, may be right for you. What is an eye allergy? Many people experience eye irritation caused by common things in the environment such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. These substances are called allergens, and they can cause symptoms such as itching of the eyes. An ocular (eye) allergy can happen suddenly or some time after you come in contact with the allergen. Your doctor may refer to your ocular allergy by its medical name, allergic conjunctivitis. What is the difference between seasonal and perennial allergies? Seasonal allergies are usually caused by pollen, which comes from grasses (such as ragweed), trees, and flowering plants. The symptoms are worse when the amount of pollen in the air (often called the pollen count) is high. This usually happens during the spring, late summer, and autumn months. Perennial allergies occur year-round because the allergens that cause the symptoms are always present. Some common household allergens that cause perennial eye allergies include dust mites, mold, pet hair, and pet dander (tiny bits of scaly skin regularly shed by pets). What happens when allergens affect the eyes? When your eyes come in contact with pollen, dust, or pet dander, special cells in your eyes go on alert. These cells, called mast cells, then release substances such as histamines that are the cause of eye allergy symptoms in some people. What symptom do eye allergy patients find most bothersome? Itching is the most common symptom of eye allergies and the one that allergy sufferers most often complain about. Is there a way to prevent itchy eyes? The best way to manage your itchy eyes is to control the source of the allergen. This means reducing or eliminating contact with the allergens that irritate your eyes. Here's what you can do: Wash your hands, face, and hair frequently to keep them free of allergens, and keep hands and fingers away from your eyes. Use air filters, and make sure your home is vacuumed regularly. Avoid or reduce outdoor activities when the pollen counts are high. Close windows and doors to help keep allergens out. Eliminate sources of mold around your house. If you have itchy eyes, try to avoid touching or rubbing them, as this may worsen your symptoms. What should I do if I suspect that my itchy eyes are caused by allergies? Be sure to see your healthcare provider. He or she will likely prescribe an eye drop for you to use to relieve your itchy allergy eyes. Why should my doctor prescribe ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution? Because ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution is very effective at relieving ocular itching — the #1 complaint of allergy sufferers. In a recent clinical study of allergy sufferers, ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution improved the symptom of ocular itching by up to 81%.1 How fast does ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution work to relieve itchy eyes? ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution delivers fast relief you can count on. It is clinically proven to relieve ocular itching within just 3 minutes.1 How long does ELESTAT® last at relieving itchy eyes? Studies have shown that ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution provides sustained control of ocular itching for 8 to 12 hours with convenient twice-a-day dosing. In one study that measured ocular itching at the 12-hour time point, patients who used ELESTAT® experienced a 61% improvement with ocular itch.1,5,6 Is ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution soothing to the eyes? Yes. ELESTAT® soothes the eyes upon instillation. It has a pH level of approximately 7, which is similar to natural tears.5 There is a low potential for ocular surface drying with ELESTAT® and it is very well tolerated by patients.4 In fact, patients who have used it in clinical trials report a low incidence of ocular adverse events.1,5 How often should I use ELESTAT®? ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution is convenient to use. The recommended dosage is one drop in each eye twice a day. Please keep in mind that treatment should be continued throughout the period of exposure (until pollen season is over or until exposure to the offending allergen ends), even when symptoms are not present. Always consult your doctor before using ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution. ELESTAT® ophthalmic solution is approved for the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Important Safety Information The most frequently reported ocular adverse events occurring in approximately 1% to 10% of patients were burning sensation in the eye, folliculosis, hyperemia, and pruritus. The most frequently reported nonocular adverse events were infection (cold symptoms and upper respiratory infections), seen in approximately 10% of patients, and headache, rhinitis, sinusitis, increased cough, and pharyngitis seen in approximately 1% to 3% of patients. Some of these events were similar to the underlying disease being studied. Patients should be advised not to wear a contact lens if their eye is red. Click here for references