While many relish spring as a chance to get outdoors and soak up the sun, people with eye allergies often struggle with changing seasons.
At least 1 in 5 Americans experience seasonal eye allergies, and while they typically do not pose a threat to overall eye health, the symptoms can be quite irritating. These include tearing or runny eyes, swollen eyelids, light sensitivity, redness and itchiness.
Is all of this making you want spring to end before it has even begun? Read on to discover the best treatment plans so that eye allergies don’t slow you down this year.
Identify Your Allergy Triggers
Common eye allergy triggers are pollen, weeds, trees, spores and grasses. It may be hard to isolate the exact cause in your case, but if you are able to do so, all the better.
Perennial allergies, which occur year-round, may include dust, feathers, perfumes, pet dander, smoke and mold. These allergies, when compounded with seasonal allergies, can be incredibly disruptive, but it’s helpful to be aware of them when seeking treatment.
Additionally, it’s important to know whether you are indeed dealing with allergies or a case of pink eye, especially with children. Pink eye vs. allergies can be hard to determine, but generally pink eye starts in one eye and spreads to the other. Eye itching is also only associated with eye allergies. If you have any questions about differentiating the two, reach out to your eye doctor.
Make a Plan
Over-the-counter allergy medications often effectively dilute seasonal eye allergies. These can be purchased at your local pharmacy or retail store. Allergy medicine for kids is also available if your little one struggles with seasonal eye pain.
Even with the best allergy medication on hand, experts recommend adjusting your routine to avoid potential allergy triggers. Keeping windows and doors closed during high pollen periods is one of the best ways to reduce spring eye allergies. Even using air conditioning or investing in a good home filtration system can keep the air fresh and irritant-free.
If you suspect your allergies require medical intervention, talk to your doctor about immunotherapy, eye drops and other prescription medications.
Attend to Your Eye Health
Eye allergies share many symptoms with eye diseases, so it is crucial to have your eyes regularly examined by a professional. Even if your symptoms feel relatively benign, an ocular expert can suggest long-term preventive care for minor allergies and diseases alike.
The right pair of glasses can also help minimize the amount of pollen or seasonal irritants affecting your vision. Prescription sunglasses are more powerful than ever, with features such as anti-fatigue and progressive lenses to protect your eyes from the sun as well as allergies.
Survive and Thrive This Allergy Season
It’s time to reclaim your spring with the help of exceptional eye care. Whether you enjoy biking, gardening or going to the farmer’s market on these increasingly sunny days, you deserve to do so without worrying about seasonal eye allergies.
Complete Eye Care of Medina has the tools to help you identify eye allergy causes and solutions. For advanced treatment consultation or to perform a preventive eye exam, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more.