would allergy shots relieve swollen allergy eyes?

Hi Loreta,

I truly know just how you feel... I've been there many times. In the past, I found that steroid eye drops such as Lotemax or Dexamethasone worked great for me. Unfortunately, because they are steroids, you can't use them that often or for that long, and they have to be tapered carefully or there can be side effects.

But this year I've been using the new antihistamine eye drops that you can buy over the counter, such as Alaway. They've been working great for me! I only use them when necessary, but I get immediate relief that lasts at least 12 hours. It's amazing; I wish I'd had them years ago.

I don't know if they'll work for you, but it might be worth a try. I've also found that putting ice wrapped in a damp terry washcloth on my eyes really helps relieve the discomfort, though it won't stop the allergic process.

Hope you feel better soon,

Kathi

I just realized I forgot to answer your original question about allergy shots helping to relieve your eye symptoms. The answer to that is a qualified yes. I assume you're looking for immediate relief of your current symptoms, so in that case, no, allergy shots would not help. Not now, that is. The whole idea with allergy shots is that they expose you to tiny amounts of the things you are allergic to, in order to acclimate your body (or desensitize it) over time, usually a year or more. It's a slow and very gradual process.

In addition, you would need to know exactly what you are allergic to in order for the shots to be effective. But it might be worth considering getting an evaluation at an allergist for allergy shots, as a preventive measure for the future.

To your health,

Kathi