Seasonal eye allergies are a common concern for many people; nearly 60 million Americans have them. If you’re one of them, going outside this time of year can trigger various symptoms, including dry, itchy, and watery eyes.
This can make it difficult to garden, walk the dog, or enjoy basking in the sun, but you don’t have to suffer. A few preventive actions can make all the difference.
At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team specialize in treating seasonal eye allergies. Here, we highlight three simple strategies to reduce allergy symptoms so you can feel your best during peak allergy season.
Seasonal eye allergies occur when your body identifies harmless substances, such as pollen from flowers, trees, or grass, as harmful invaders. This triggers an excessive immune response that triggers the release of chemicals called histamines to help mount a major defense.
Because the eyes are vulnerable to airborne allergens, they’re often one of the first places to develop allergy symptoms. Histamines cause inflammation throughout the body, but in the eyes, this inflammation often leads to redness, excessive tearing, or dry eyes.
Here are three things you can do to better manage eye allergies this spring:
When flowers, trees, and other plants bloom, they release pollen and other microscopic particles into the air. These components are then carried on the wind, where they can come in contact with your eyes or respiratory system.
There’s no way to avoid pollen altogether, but you can plan trips outside when pollen counts are at their lowest. One of the easiest ways to do that is by monitoring pollen levels. Websites like The Weather Channel and Pollen.com offer real-time pollen tracking.
If you’re planning to go outside, assess the current and forecasted pollen levels first. Pollen counts are typically worse between 8:00 AM and noon, so it often makes sense to wait until the afternoon or evening. If you can’t wait, wear glasses, sunglasses, or other protective eyewear, and if you're driving, keep the windows up.
Pollen often clings to clothing and shoes, so it’s easy to bring it back inside with you, especially if you’re hiking or doing yardwork. To minimize this risk, always take your shoes off at the door and consider changing into a new outfit as soon as you return home.
Avoid rewearing clothing that’s been outside, too. As soon as you take any garments off, wash them before wearing them again. Likewise, change your bedsheets and blankets at least once a week and regularly clean carpets and rugs with a vacuum containing a HEPA filter.
This extra cleaning may seem like a hassle, but it can make indoor pollen levels more manageable and keep your eyes comfortable.
You may still come into contact with allergens, even if you avoid peak pollen times and clean regularly. The good news is that preventive eye care can limit symptom severity and help you manage flares as they arise.
Keep a bottle of over-the-counter antihistamine eyedrops on hand, preferably one advertised for seasonal allergies. As soon as you notice any dryness or irritation, use them, paying careful attention to the instructions on the label.
If you experience any puffiness or redness, applying a cool compress to your eyes can ease inflammation and make blinking more comfortable.
Seasonal eye allergies can make you miserable, but you don’t have to suffer. After discussing your symptoms and completing a comprehensive eye exam, we’ll provide personalized treatment recommendations. These suggestions, combined with the preventive tips above, can help your eyes stay comfortable all season long.
To get started, schedule an appointment at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.