Spring is beautiful; but for many people, springtime means eye allergies. From April to August, tree pollens, grass pollens, mold spores, and weed pollens can cause eye irritation and other symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Read on to learn how you can prevent and manage seasonal eye allergies all through spring and summer, using both conventional and natural remedies.
What are Seasonal Eye Allergies?
Seasonal eye allergies are a reaction to allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust which increase in the atmosphere during the spring and summer. The most common symptoms of these allergies include redness, itching, watering, and swelling of the eyes. The duration and severity of these symptoms vary from person to person, depending on how sensitive you are to each allergen.
How to Prevent Seasonal Eye Allergies
It is better to avoid eye allergies than to manage them. These tips will help you avoid seasonal eye allergies:
- Stay indoors during peak pollen times to avoid or reduce contact with allergens.
- Wash your hands and face frequently to get rid of tiny allergic particles that may have settled on your skin.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses when you go out.
- Use air purifiers and HEPA filters which are designed to capture tiny particles and allergens in the air, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander.
- Vacuuming and dusting your home regularly is advisable but be careful to wear a mask while at it, so as not to be exposedto dust and other allergens that get swept up into the air during the process.
- Keep your windows closed. This will reduce the amount of allergens that can spread into your home.
- Use hypoallergenic bedding such as pillows, sheets, and pillowcases that are specifically designed to prevent or minimize allergic reactions.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
- Speak with your health care provider about immunotherapy or allergy shots. This can result in fewer and less severe allergy symptoms, making it easier to manage seasonal allergies.
How to Manage Seasonal Eye Allergies
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help manage eye allergy symptoms. Common options include:
1. Eye drops
Eye drops can help relieve eye allergy symptoms such as eye redness, itching, and watering. Your eye doctor may recommend any of these:
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Antihistamine eye drops for itching and redness
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Decongestant eye drops for swelling and congestion
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Artificial tears for dryness and discomfort
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Mast cell stabilizer eye drops for prevention of symptoms
2. AntihistaminesThey help prevent or reduce allergy symptoms like inflammation, sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
3. Decongestants
Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion by reducing swelling in the nasal passages. But they can also help to reduce eye allergy symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling. This is because constriction of the blood vessels in the nasal passages leads to the same effect in the eyes. Therefore, relief from congestion in the nose can also bring relief to eye allergy symptoms.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Eye Allergies
Natural remedies can be a great addition to conventional treatments but it is important to consult with an eye doctor before trying any natural remedies, especially if you are already taking medications.
That said, here are some natural remedies for managing seasonal eye allergies:
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Vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce eye inflammation. It can be found in seafood like salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and trout.
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Home remedies like cold compresses and saline eye drops may also provide relief.
Eye Allergy Management in Edmonton
Seasonal eye allergies can be a nuisance, but they can be managed and prevented with the right strategies at Village Eye Center.
Don't let eye allergies keep you from enjoying spring’s beauty and summer’s warmth. Schedule an appointment at any of our offices in Edmonton, and Sherwood Park. Patients from St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, and surrounding communities are welcome.