eye allergies

I have an eye allergy that started several years ago, after I had pneumonia.  My heating/air system at home and in the car irritates my eyes.  When the air blows in my face it irritates the veins/blood vessel around my eyes, they get puff and swollen that causes the pressure in my eyes to go up. I'm using four different eye drops provided by my doctor.  I only have close-up vision in my left eye and I'm worried that I may soon lose site in my right eye.  Should I see a dermatologist are have my doctor do a patch skin test?  I've had two blood test, I'm not sure what they were looking for.  I believe my ears, eyes, and throat are all affected by this same problem.

P.S. I'm using: Timolol Maleate 0.5%, Systane Ultra, Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride 1%, and Lotemax 0.5%.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

blood tests like RAST.

The most important treatment for allergies is avoidance of the allergen.
Other treatment options include oral antihistaminics like benadryl and Claritin or non sedating antihistaminics like zyrtec; Topical or oral decongestants for rhinitis and nasal congestion; topical steroids for skin rashes and itching; oral steroids in more severe cases and bronchodilators in cases of difficulty in breathing and wheezing.

These medications all help to relieve short term symptoms of allergic reactions. However, there is a way of preventing the long term symptoms of allergies. This is through a process known as immunology, more commonly referred to as an allergy shot.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You seem to be having allergy and atopic dermatitis cannot be ruled out. It can be through blood tests like RAST.

The most important treatment for allergies is avoidance of the allergen.
Other treatment options include oral antihistaminics like benadryl and Claritin or non sedating antihistaminics like zyrtec; Topical or oral decongestants for rhinitis and nasal congestion; topical steroids for skin rashes and itching; oral steroids in more severe cases and bronchodilators in cases of difficulty in breathing and wheezing.

These medications all help to relieve short term symptoms of allergic reactions. However, there is a way of preventing the long term symptoms of allergies. This is through a process known as immunology, more commonly referred to as an allergy shot.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing

[tillie1949]

Thank you Dr. Kaur for responding to my question.

I take some of the oral mediations that you recommended from time to time such as benadryl and claritin.  I will also look into the injection for allergies especially since I am also allergy to some foods like fish for the last six years.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Sincerely,

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Thank you for your kind words. Kind regards.