Ah, springtime on the coast! The season of blooming flowers, warmer weather, and unfortunately for many patients, eye allergies. As beautiful as spring can be, it also brings a surge of pollen and other airborne irritants that can leave our eyes feeling itchy, red, and watery. At Envision Optical, our optometrists are kept busy helping people manage their eye allergies. But don’t worry - there are plenty of ways to keep your eyes comfortable and allergy-free this season. Here are some friendly tips to help you manage eye allergies and enjoy all that spring on the Gold and Tweed Coasts has to offer!
1. Know Your Triggers
The first step in managing eye allergies is to understand what triggers them. Common allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores can irritate your eyes. Pollen counts tend to be higher in the morning and on windy days, so try to plan your outdoor activities later in the day or even after it rains when pollen levels are lower.
2. Keep Your Eyes Protected
When you do head outside, wear sunglasses and consider wearing wrap-around sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from UV rays, but they also act as a barrier against pollen and other airborne particles. If you wear contact lenses, you might want to switch to glasses on days when pollen counts are particularly high. Contacts can attract and hold onto allergens, making your symptoms worse.
3. Practice Good Eye Hygiene
Keeping your eyes clean can help reduce allergy symptoms. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes, and try to avoid rubbing your eyes, even when they’re itchy. Rubbing can release more histamines into your eyes, making the irritation worse. You can also use a cold compress over your closed eyes to soothe itching and reduce any inflammation.
4. Use Over-the-Counter Remedies
There are several over the counter (OTC) eye drops specifically formulated for allergies that can help alleviate symptoms. Antihistamine eye drops can provide quick relief from itching and redness, while artificial tears can help flush out allergens from the eye. Please be sure to check in with us first to ensure you use a suitable product, then strictly follow the instructions, and only use them as directed.
5. Consult Us for Treatment Solutions
If your eye allergies are severe or not responding to OTC treatments, it’s time to come and see us. We will assess your symptoms to find the underlying cause of the issue and can prescribe stronger medications, or eye drops that may provide some effective relief. Further treatments may also be discussed that can help build up your immunity to specific allergens over time. And we can guide you on whether allergy testing might be beneficial for you and refer you to a specialist if needed.
6. Keep Your Indoor Air Clean
Don’t let allergens invade your home! Keep windows closed during high pollen days and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap airborne allergens. Regularly change any HVAC filters, vacuum filters, and wash your bedding in hot water weekly to reduce dust mites and other indoor allergens.
7. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can help keep your eyes moist, reducing irritation. Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your body, which can also help with allergy symptoms. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish and flaxseed, can also promote eye health, and reduce inflammation.
8. Keep Up with Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are essential, especially if you suffer from eye allergies. They allow us to monitor your eye health, update your prescription if needed, and offer tailored advice on managing allergies. Don’t let eye allergies get in the way of enjoying your spring - schedule an appointment to keep your eyes in top shape!
Allergies don’t have to put a damper on your springtime fun. By taking a few preventative steps and being mindful of your eye health, you can enjoy the beauty of the season without the discomfort of eye allergies. If you’re struggling with eye allergies this spring, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalised advice and care. We’re here to help you see clearly and comfortably all year round!