It's a sign of the seasons: itchy eyes

Cherry blossoms are budding in DC, Central Park is bespeckled with frosty pink and white patches, and tulips are sprouting along Boston’s Comm. Ave. In other words, tissue boxes are making cameos, children are a-sneezing, and our friends and loved ones are rubbing their eyes out. Allergy season is hitting the East Coast full force, and those of us who suffer from the affliction are crying for help.

Signs of ocular allergy include itching, tearing, and red eyes. Interestingly, systemic medicines prescribed for seasonal allergies (such as Claritin D, Allegra, or Benadryl) do not improve ocular allergy symptoms. Usually, topical drops such as Pataday, Elestat, or Bepreve are necessary to curb the irresistible urge to rub. These drops combine anti-histamine action with mast-cell stabilization (mast cells are like time-bombs full of itchy substances).  Mild steroid drops like Alrex may help as well.  If you are uninsured (not for long!), there are a few effective over-the-counter drops too, such as Zaditor or Alway.  The main thing to try and avoid is eye rubbing.  If your eyes are itchy and you rub them, you enable their bad behavior!  The more you rub, the more mast-cells are goaded to release their allergenic explosives.  Putting one of these drops in your eyes is a far better (and more pacifist) way to control your symptoms.  

So, stop and smell the flowers?  Maybe.  Just make sure you are properly equipped.