This time of year brings blooming flowers and spending more time outside with family and friends, but it also ushers in the dreaded pollen season. For many of us, this means an attack on our eyes that can cause redness, itching and watering. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it can affect your daily activities, reducing your overall quality of life.
Luckily, you can take a few simple steps to protect yourself from eye irritation due to a pollen allergy while still enjoying all that the outside has to offer. Our experts will explain how to protect your eyes from pollen and which treatments may best suit your needs.
Common allergy symptoms
Allergies can cause various symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion, but one of the most prominent signs is itchy eyes. People with allergies often experience intense itching and discomfort in their eyes, making it difficult to focus on daily tasks. Contact lens wearers will often experience more dryness, frequent blurriness, and the feeling of lens movement on their eye.
In some cases, the eyes may also become sore, watery, or sticky as the immune system reacts, making it challenging to see clearly. While these symptoms may seem minor, they can significantly impact daily life and make it difficult to enjoy the warm weather. Therefore, it’s essential to understand and address the causes of these allergies to alleviate the discomfort associated with allergies.
Take care of your eyes
Allergy season can be challenging, especially if you suffer from eye irritation. Don’t let this keep you indoors. You can do a few simple things to reduce the effects on your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. This may feel good at the time but can worsen itching and eye irritation by causing them to release more histamines.
- Put on sunglasses if you are outdoors. The protection can help prevent pollen particles from reaching your eyes.
- If you are a contact lens wearer, consider switching from reusable contacts to daily disposable contacts to avoid irritation from various allergens building up on your lenses.
- Shower and wash your hair and clothes when you return home after spending the day outside. This will help to remove any pollen that can be transferred to your eyes.
By taking these small precautions, you can keep your allergies under control and enjoy the great outdoors with ease.
Managing your allergies
Dealing with allergies, especially when they affect your eyes, can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. The good news is there are various treatments available to help manage symptoms and make daily life more enjoyable. Cold compresses can relieve and reduce inflammation, while lubricating eye drops can soothe dry, itchy eyes. Antihistamine eye drops are another option. Mast cell stabilizing drops are also an effective option for individuals who experience too much dryness with antihistamines. Additionally, oral antihistamines can help alleviate allergy symptoms in the eyes.
With the proper treatment, managing allergies becomes easier, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without interruption. However, not every type of medication is suitable for everyone.
Get in touch for allergy advice
Whether you are experiencing itchy, watery eyes or other symptoms, seek the help of one of our eye doctors to put you on the path to relief. Don’t let allergies take a toll on your vision and quality of life. Contact our office today to learn about the latest treatment options.