This article is written by Aaron Barriga.
Do you suffer from allergies like hay fever or seasonal eye allergies? Such allergies are more common when seasons change,and they may result in uncomfortable symptoms. A few common allergens include pollen and dust.
Everyone reacts differently to different allergens. If your eyes are allergic to certain allergens, you need to take appropriate measures to minimize the allergy symptoms. Read on to know more.
Symptoms of eye allergies
Most of the time, the eyes try to fight back the irritation caused by allergens. The reaction of the eyes to these allergens cause different symptoms. Eye allergy symptoms include:
- Redness of the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Burning and itchiness of eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tears
It is important to know what triggers your allergies,as it will help you understand how to manage it properly.
Eye allergies and contact lenses
Seasonal eye allergies can get worse for people who wear contact lenses. Here are a few reasons why:
- When eyes are already irritated and under discomfort, the symptoms get worse on wearing contact lenses because the eyes find it difficult to adjust to them. Moreover, watery eyes can cause the lenses to shift or fall off.
- Debris due to the allergy can get under the lens, which can scratch the cornea.
If wearing contact lenses has been making your eye allergy worse, consider LASIK eye surgery, which eliminates the need for contacts.
5 Ways to Prepare For Seasonal Allergies
1. Keep an eye on pollen levels
Tree and grass pollen are the main allergens during the spring. The peak pollen hours are usually mid-morning and early evenings. If you suffer from pollen allergy during this time, especially if it’s windy, try to stay indoors.
Keep track of allergen levels through air quality and weather news. If you notice that the pollen levels are high, make adjustments to your schedule.
Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes when you step outside. And, if you have to handle things that may have pollen on them, use gloves.
2. Use over-the-counter medication
Use over-the-counter medication for seasonal allergies treatment. You can buy eye-drops that can relieve the symptoms. You can alsoconsiderbuying eye health products that help in removing pollen from the eyes, thus preventing eye allergy symptoms.
3. Close the windows
When spring starts, you might want to open the windows to let in some fresh air. As good as that sounds, it is a very bad idea if you suffer from seasonal allergies as open windows can bring pollen inside the house.
Keep the windows and doors closed, especially on high pollen count days. This will help you prevent itchy eyes, which is a common allergy symptom.
4. Change your air filter
You must change your air filters seasonally as it will help in keeping the air inside your home clean. The frequency should be more if you live in an area that witnesses high pollen count.
Clean the dust accumulated on the air conditioner when you change the filters to prevent dust allergy.
5. Contact an eye doctor
If the usual measures or medication do not work or you are experiencing intense allergic reactions in the eyes, make an appointment with an eye doctor for better advice on how to fight seasonal allergens.
With the state of emergency and new social distancing norms, eye health during coronavirus shouldn’t be ignored. Be extra cautious and prevent problematic situations.
Author Bio: Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.
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