Spring is here, and so are your allergies! Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) is caused by allergens such as pollen and dust. These allergens activate mast cells in your body to release a compound called histamine, which causes all the unwanted symptoms of allergies such as red and itchy eyes.

Eye allergies can be relieved with an eye drop called Pataday, in which your optometrist can prescribe. Pataday belongs to a class of drug called mast cell stabilizers, so it stabilizes the mast cells to stop releasing histamine. Pataday also act as an antihistamine. So, there are two different mechanisms going on to relieving the symptoms, making this drug very effective.