Eye Allergy Season is Here - Are You Ready?

If you are experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes it could be due to pollen-induced eye allergies. For many of us, spring time is eye allergy time, which means uncomfortable symptoms such as itchy eyes, watery eyes or stinging, red eyes. Seasonal eye allergies are often a result of an influx of pollen from trees and flowers into the air and can result in a severe impact on quality of life for those that suffer from them.

How can you protect your eyes this allergy season? If at all feasible, try to limit contact with allergens which means staying indoors, particularly when the pollen count is high. Keeping windows shut, cooling off with air conditioners and wearing wrap-around sunglasses when going outside may also help to reduce contact with allergens in the air. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is also known clear irritants from the air inside your home or office.

Nevertheless, for those of us that can't stay indoors the entire spring season, there are medications that can alleviate symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes or itchy eyes. Often times a simple eye drop will soothe and alleviate itchy eyes or red eyes and remove allergens. Medications containing antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers can reduce redness and swelling of the eyes and treat non-eye related symptoms such as cold-like symptoms. Drops often work more quickly and effectively than oral medications to alleviate eye symptoms.

Those who wear contacts sometimes find that they suffer more from eye allergies because allergens are more likely to accumulate on the outer surface of the lens, triggering an allergic reaction. Further, oral antihistamines can dry out the eyes, worsening the situation. Those who wear contacts should take steps to keep their eyes moist and replace lenses on time. Some eye doctors prefer the use of daily disposable contacts, because changing your contact lenses more frequently reduces the chances of buildup and irritation.

Most importantly, don't rub irritated eyes. This will only exacerbate the irritation. Because often products that work to alleviate symptoms do require a prescription, if over-the-counter solutions are not working for you, book a visit with your eye doctor.