As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisper, Fall brings a sense of quiet beauty. Unfortunately, for many it also brings a significant increase in seasonal allergies. Beyond sneezing and a runny nose, Fall allergies can have a significant impact on your eyes, affecting both visual comfort and clarity. Below, our North Edmonton eye care team at Village Eye Centre discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Fall eye allergies can help keep your eyes healthy as the seasons change.
What Causes Eye Allergies in the Fall?
Fall allergies are often triggered by specific allergens that become more prevalent as the weather cools. Some common culprits include:
- Ragweed pollen: Ragweed is one of the most common Fall allergens. Its pollen can travel hundreds of miles on the wind, causing widespread reactions.
- Mold spores: As leaves pile up and decompose, mold growth increases. The dampness of Fall also encourages mold spores in the air, leading to allergic reactions.
- Dust mites: As people begin to spend more time indoors with the onset of colder weather, exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites increases.
- Pet dander: As we close windows and heat our homes, the amount of pet dander indoors can increase, contributing to allergic symptoms in the eyes.
These allergens can directly affect your eyes by irritating the sensitive tissues, leading to the symptoms of Fall eye allergies.
Common Symptoms of Fall Eye Allergies
When allergens come into contact with your eyes, they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Itchy eyes: One of the hallmark signs of eye allergies is an intense itching sensation.
- Redness: Inflammation caused by allergens can make the eyes appear red or bloodshot.
- Watery eyes: Your body may respond to allergens by producing excess tears, leading to watery eyes.
- Blurred vision: Persistent irritation can cause your vision to become blurry, especially if your eyes are excessively watery.
- Swollen eyelids: Allergic reactions can cause the delicate skin around your eyes to swell, making your eyelids puffy and uncomfortable.
- Light sensitivity: Eye allergies may also make your eyes more sensitive to light, leading to discomfort when exposed to bright lights.
How to Prevent Fall Eye Allergies
The best way to prevent Fall eye allergies is to minimize your exposure to allergens. Here are some tips to help you protect your eyes during allergy season:
- Limit outdoor exposure when pollen counts are high: Try to stay indoors when there’s a lot of pollen in the air, especially during the morning and on windy days.
- Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses can help shield your eyes from airborne allergens like pollen.
- Keep windows closed: While it’s tempting to let in fresh air, keeping windows closed can reduce your exposure to outdoor allergens.
- Clean your home regularly: Regularly dusting, vacuuming, and washing bedding can reduce indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help trap allergens in the air.
How Our Eye Care Team Can Help
If you’re struggling with persistent eye allergy symptoms, we offer a variety of treatments to help relieve discomfort and protect your vision. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can determine whether your symptoms are due to allergies and recommend treatments such as:
- Prescription eye drops: Stronger than over-the-counter options, these can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated eyes.
- Specialized treatments for dry eye: Since dry eye often accompanies allergies, we offer targeted treatments to improve tear quality and reduce discomfort.
Your eye health and comfort are our top priority. If you’re experiencing Fall eye allergies, schedule a visit with our eye care team today to get the relief you need.