6 Problem Solvers in Your Doctor's Medicine Cabinet

Must-Have: Eye Drops

Even those doctors who don't have allergies like to keep a small bottle of saline solution around to safely rinse irritating dirt, dust particles and pollen out of the eyes. Contact lens solution is fine for this, Blackwelder says, but stick with the smaller bottles—economy-size jugs are less likely to stay sterile over time. Prescription antihistamine eye drops like Optivar or Pataday can help eye symptoms from allergies but may also relieve nasal symptoms, because of our anatomy. Blackwelder says the drops will travel from the tear duct into the nose, treating not only your red, puffy eyes but also your clogged sinuses.

Caution: Don't put drops that are past their expiration date into your eyes.