I've been suffering from severe eye allergies for quite some time. Each year it seems to get worse. I get a stringy type of mucus-y discharge and a feeling as if there are "pebbles" inside my upper eyelid. I've used Naphcon-A and am now using Patanol eye drops, prescribed by an eye doctor. I am getting minimal relief. Any suggestions? In case it matters, I also have nasal allergies.

Mac

Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms affecting the eye, including itching, redness, mild white discharge and the sensation that a foreign body -- in your case "pebbles" -- are in the eye.

If you haven't done so already, you should undergo a complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist to rule out serious, non-allergic conditions that can also cause redness, such as bleeding, injury or infection. Such an exam may also provide clues as to what medication may be best for your eye condition.

Patanol is usually an excellent medication for eye allergies because it blocks histamine, an irritating chemical that the body releases in response to allergens. The drug also stabilizes immune cells in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the front of the eyeball and inner surface of the upper eyelid. However, if this drug doesn't relieve your symptoms, your might ask your doctor about "artificial tears" and other anti-inflammatory medications.