[beverlybdmd]

Some people find that the Naphcon-A drops slightly more stinging, and a little more expensive than some of the other generic brands. Check the ingredients--There are several eye drops that are similar now; I like the Vasocon-A, and I think that Bausch & Lomb makes a good one also.

However, it is important to use these as INFREQUENTLY, as possible. There is also some GREAT nasal inhalers, like Vicks menthol decongestant nasal inhaler that will open your sinuses like a dream--BUT regular use of these drops & inhalers will eventually trigger the local blood vessels to become habituated to these medications.

Normally the smooth muscles around the tiny blood vessel walls respond by constricting, and shrinking the blood vessels ("getting the RED out") which stops histamine release, and fluid leakage.

When you use the medicine regularly, as soon as it wears OFF, instead of the blood vessels returning to their normal size, they are now dependent upon having some medicine around to keep their smooth muscle in "good tone" so they immediately swell up and begin to leak, Even though you have NOT been exposed to any allergen. You will feel like you are having a reaction, just because the medicine has worn off, and you NEED a regular "hit" to stay clear. This is a common problem when these type of meds are used in chronic problems.

So, use them no more than once every OTHER day, or less.

Try substituting Similasan drops--a homeopathic eye drop. I have had good results with the one for pink eye, although I had to use MANY drops, and then wait for several minutes, it definitely gave me full relief. Others have used the allergy formula, I've heard.