Eye allergy symptoms include itching, burning, redness, dry eyes, and/or watery eyes to name a few and if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that these eye allergy symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable.
So, what are the best ways to treat eye allergies?
Stay Indoors
This can be difficult to do, but when possible and if your eye allergy symptoms are severe you should consider staying indoors when pollen counts are high.
While indoors, ensure that your windows are not open, and you opt for A/C instead to avoid the irritant blowing in through open windows and doors.
Your indoor space should be kept as free from outdoor allergens as possible.
If you’ve spent time outdoors when there is a moderate or high amount of pollen, ensure that you change your clothes and if you can, shower immediately to rid yourself of any allergy-inducing hitchhikers.
It’s good practice to more regularly mop your floors and vacuum carpets and couches during seasons where your allergy symptoms are at their worst.
Also Read: Health Plan for Vulnerable Population
Wear Eyeglasses or Sunglasses
When you have to go outside during allergy season, protect your eyes from pollen and irritants by ensuring that you always leave your house wearing your eyeglasses or a large pair of sunglasses to create a barrier between allergies and your eyes.
While this won’t keep all irritants away, it can greatly reduce the amount that reaches your eyes meaning symptoms may be better managed.
If eye allergies are a concern for you, you may wish to consult an eye care specialist like the ones at Eyecare Plus – Richmond Road who can help assess your symptoms, offer treatment suggestions and ensure that you have the eye protection you need to keep that pesky pollen out.
Use Eye Drops
There are a variety of topical options for treating eye allergy symptoms that can provide temporary relief.
These include artificial tears, decongestant and antihistamine eye drops.
The option that’s best for you depends on your symptoms, with antihistamine eye drops being great for relieving itching, artificial tears can help wash away allergens, and decongestant eye drops can reduce redness.
If your eye allergy symptoms are especially bothersome, speak to an eye care professional like those at OPTICANADA, they can perform an eye exam and recommend topical solutions that fit your particular symptoms and needs.
Consider Oral Antihistamines or Immunotherapy Shots
If you’re not finding relief from your eye allergy symptoms with other conservative methods, or your overall allergy symptoms are severe or troublesome, consider speaking with your doctor about medication.
Oral antihistamines are typically taken once or twice daily (every 12 – 24 hours) and can provide relief from many of the irritating symptoms associated with seasonal allergies including eye allergy symptoms.
Your doctor will be able to prescribe you the antihistamine and dose that is best for you and your particular symptoms.
If your allergies are resistant to other treatments or very severe, immunotherapy shots may be considered.
These shots are often considered after visiting an allergist and finding little or no relief from other interventions.
Immunotherapy shots contain a tiny amount of the allergen you are most reactive to and the amount will increase over the course of your treatment plan in hopes of gradually encouraging your body to create an immunity to the trigger.
Speak to your doctor and ask for an allergy consult if you find that other treatment options aren’t working for you.
Conclusion
Allergies can negatively impact our day-to-day lives, and eye allergies in particular can make it difficult to do many of the activities that we enjoy – especially outdoors!
If you are experiencing symptoms of eye allergies, you don’t need to suffer.
Schedule an appointment with your eye care specialist to discuss your symptoms and find a treatment that works best for you.
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