Problem with antihistamines

[Windflower]

I have glaucoma and the treatment causes me to have dry eyes that have resulted in damaged corneas. I am prescribed Carmellose 1% eye drops.

I was also prescribed Fexofenadine tablets for my allergies but decided to stop taking them as watery eyes helped to reduce the dryness. However, given the pollen season my eyes are now too watery and I would like to take a milder antihistamine. Have looked online, but have not found any helpful results. Has anyone any suggestions?

Thanks.

[NewSh0e]

I have no advice to offer unfortunately, but would be very interested in what others say as I’m also wary of taking them. On the other hand coping with the very high pollen count is something of a challenge!

[Windflower in reply to NewSh0e]

Thanks , NewSh0e. The pollen is certainly a challenge.😃

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello.

If you have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, there shouldn't be a problem with using Antihistamines.

If you have Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma or narrow angles, you will need to check with your consultant first before using them. The reason being is, they may cause the eye to dilate slightly, pushing the iris forward which can affect the already narrow drainage angle of the eye.

If you have received successful iridotomies or lens replacement, it may be ok to use even with narrow angles.

I hope your consultant has prescribed you preservative free eye drops, as they are more gentle on the eyes, and is the recommended option for people with dry eye. If they haven't, ask if this can be done.

[Windflower]

Thanks Trish, for your response. It isn’t the affect on the glaucoma that I was concerned about, but the effect on my very dry eyes caused by the glaucoma medication; that is Cosopt and Monopost. Antihistamines tend to make my eyes dry, too. This is why I have stopped using the prescribed Fexofenadine.

However, I woke up this morning with answer in mind. That is to use antihistamines as prescribed for children! 😀

[balacakkhu]

Hello, I have glaucoma and also hay fever. During the hey fever season I use antihistamine (in my case - loratadine similar to you) and there is no problem .

[Windflower in reply to balacakkhu]

Thanks, and much appreciated. 👍