For those of us who suffer from allergies, we know how aggravating they can really be. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with itchy, red eyes on a constant basis. When those symptoms kick in, it can be hard to focus on anything else, which is why allergies can severely impact your overall quality of life. So why does this happen and how can you get relief? If spring allergies affect your eyes, we’re here to help. Read on to learn how to give your eyes the comfort they need and deserve.
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Common Triggers That Occur During Spring
Spring is always a welcomed time of year since we can forget about the winter blues and look forward to the summer ahead. But for those who suffer from spring allergies, it can also be a very frustrating time of year to endure. That tickle in your nose, the relentless sneezing, and feeling the need to itch your eyes all the time can put a serious damper on your fun time. And unfortunately, this is because the spring season comes with a plethora of triggers for allergy sufferers.
The warmer air and moist conditions awaken all of the plants, shrubs, and trees that have stayed dormant over the course of the winter. And as lovely as it is to see and smell the colourful blossoms that emerge, it also brings along plenty of pollen, mould, mildew spores, and more.
The most common spring allergy triggers include: pollen from the budding trees, flowers, and weeds, pet dander, dust, and mould. Warmer weather can also exacerbate environmental triggers like car exhaust fumes and smog.
Common Symptoms
Allergy symptoms can vary from person to person. Some may experience a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, red eyes that can last several weeks, whereas others may just experience more infrequent itching and irritations. Swollen, red eyes with sensitivity to light are most common and should be examined by your doctor to determine the exact cause since everyone’s different.
How to Deal With Allergies
Even with the different triggers that exist, there are ways for you to keep them under control. Implementing a few minor adjustments in your daily routine can make a huge difference with regards to your symptoms. Here are a few simple but important steps to take to help reduce triggers from impacting your eyes:
Wash Your Hands Frequently. Our hands can harbour a disturbing amount of bacteria which ends up on our skin and eyes when we keep touching them. So the first step is to keep your hands clean by washing them frequently – especially after touching any pets, flowers or vegetation.
Don’t Rub or Touch Your Eyes. As difficult as it may be, try to avoid rubbing your eyes since this can easily transfer bacteria, pet dander or other elements to your eyes that cause irritation.
Keep Your Home Clean. Vacuum and dust at least once per week to minimize particles in the air, especially if you have pets. A clean environment has less irritants for your eyes!
Replace Carpet With Hardwood Flooring Or Something Similar. Carpet and rugs can harbour dust mites and pet dander, so they’re best avoided for allergy sufferers.
Keep An Eye On The Weather Channel To Determine Peak Pollen Periods. Then make sure to keep your windows closed during these times and use your air conditioner instead.
Wear Glasses When Outside. Whether it’s sunglasses or regular ones, they can help shield your eyes from particles in the air, and reduce symptoms.
Swap Out Contacts For Glasses More Frequently. During this time of year, avoid trapping in bacteria and particles by wearing glasses more often. It’ll give your eyes more room to breathe.
How to Get Relief
Despite your best efforts, allergies can still weasel their way in and fire up your nose and eyes. So how can you get the relief you need? First, pay a visit to your eye doctor so they can have a look and help you determine the best course of action. Attending regular eye exams is always an important step for keeping allergy symptoms at bay.
Your eye doctor can recommend prescriptions for artificial tears, eye drops, oral antihistamines, or prescription medication, depending on the severity of your condition. So make sure to schedule an appointment so they can have a look and help your eyes catch a break.
Do spring allergies affect your eyes? If so, you don’t have to bear it. There are options that can soothe your eyes, reduce your symptoms, and help you get back to enjoying life, symptom-free. Reach out to us a Laurier Optical to set up an appointment with our onsite eye doctor so you can finally say goodbye to those dry, watery, itchy eyes!