Too blue to hide inside?

If your eye allergies are triggered by pollen, staying inside all day long may not be the answer. There are other ways to evade the offending pollen. You can remain indoors during the times of day that the pollen levels are highest-usually mornings, or on especially sunny, windy days. If you have pollen-triggered allergies but your job requires you to work outside, you can wear a face mask designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching their nasal passages. Some people schedule vacations around pollen season, taking themselves out of harm's way for some fun and relaxation at the beach. The avoidance of allergens is typically not practical though, so it is recognized that most allergy sufferers will turn to the use of effective medications available via prescription.

Beware of side effects.

Many people who take systemic antihistamines experience some distressing side effects: drowsiness and loss of alertness and coordination (although, in newer generations of these systemic antihistamines, some side effects such as drowsiness have been minimized.) In children, such reactions can be misinterpreted as behavior problems. If your teddy bear youngster begins to behave more like a grizzly, it could be a reaction to antihistamine medications. More effective, and less troublesome medications might be a better choice. Also, dryness is a common side effect.

Does your pet make you cry?

Nearly any pet can cause allergies, including ocular ones. For people who are especially sensitive to them, pet dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine can cause your eyes to tear, burn, and itch. Another big source of discomfort for pet owners with eye allergies is the pollen, mold spores and other outdoor allergens brought inside on your animal's fur. If you can't bear to give up your fur-bearing friend, try these strategies to minimize your allergies:

• keep your pet out of your bedroom, where you spend the most time

• wash your hands after handling your pet to avoid spreading the dander

• have someone else bathe your pet weekly and brush it outdoors several times a week

• have someone else clean the litter box and store it away from forced air heating and/or central air conditioning vents.

More than dust

People whose eye allergies are perennial are likely sensitive to dust and other allergens. But did you know that so-called "house dust" is actually a varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials? It may contain fibers from different types of fabrics; cotton lint, feathers, and other stuffing materials; dander from cats, dogs, and other animals; bacteria; mold and fungus spores (especially in damp areas); food particles; bits of plants and insects; and other allergens peculiar to an individual home. House dust also contains microscopic mites. These mites live in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. In a warm, humid house mites continue to thrive even in the coldest months. That's why it's important to vacuum frequently, and to wash your bedding in hot water. Try to keep your thermostat turned down, to the extent that it remains comfortable. Creating a humid, tropical environment will only help to breed more problems.

Tips for Using Eye Drops

Making sure the drops stay in the eyes instead of dripping down your face is more a matter of method than plain luck. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology offers the following suggestions:

• lie down, and steady the hand holding the drops by resting it on your face

• keep your eye open, and pull down the lower lid, forming a small pocket.

• place the drop in the pocket, then look up to prevent blinking and draining of the medicine from the eye.

• keep eyedrops in a cool place such as the refrigerator