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Dr. Harold Ashcraft OD
Low Vision Los Angeles
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Spring

Top 5 Tips for Managing Eye Allergies This Spring

Spring is a season of new beginnings, when the cold harsh winter months are behind us, flowers bloom, and people begin spending more time outdoors.

For people with allergies, spring means one more thing: suffering. Spring may be in the air, but for allergy sufferers, so is pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust. These airborne allergens can trigger uncomfortable reactions such as watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, congestion, and sinus pain.

There are some things you can do to minimize the discomfort throughout the spring season.

Check out Our Top 5 Tips for Getting Through Eye Allergy Season:

  1. Pollen tends to have a higher count in the mornings and early evenings. During these times, stay inside and keep windows closed. If you enjoy an early morning exercise run, consider an alternative indoor workout during peak allergy season.
  2. Take a shower before going to sleep. Doing this at night can rinse away any lingering allergens and leave you with a clearer eye and nasal area, as well as a more restful night’s sleep.
  3. Keep artificial tears close by. They can temporarily alleviate ocular allergy symptoms by lubricating your eyes when they feel dry and itchy, and they’re usually small enough to fit inside a purse or pocket. If you don’t have any good eye drops, use a cool compress as an alternative method of relief.
  4. If your allergies are caused by dust or pet dander, vacuum. A lot. Dust collects quickly and can be difficult to spot until there’s a high amount of it. Pets can shed fast and often, and just when you think you’ve removed all the fur from your sofa, carpet, or bed, you suddenly find more, so vacuum a few times each week.
  5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and change your linens more often during the spring season. Remnants of airborne allergens can stay on your hands, towels, and bed sheets. Washing them more frequently can minimize some of your allergic reactions.

Though it may be tempting, don’t rub your eyes. This can actually aggravate the allergy response. If you find yourself using artificial tears more than 4 times a day, or other short-term solutions aren’t enough, speak with your eye doctor. You may be able to receive antihistamine eye drops or other prescription medications to ease your discomfort.

When It’s More Than Allergies

Certain eye allergy symptoms can also be signs of eye conditions or diseases, so pay close attention to any reactions that don’t dissipate after allergy season ends.

These Eye Symptoms can include:

  • Dryness
  • Excessive tearing
  • Itchiness
  • Persistent eye pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling

These Symptoms Can Indicate Eye conditions, Such As:

  • Blepharitis (inflamed eyelids)
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Corneal Abrasions
  • Dry Eye Disease
  • Styes (an oil gland infection that causes a bump or pimple-like shape in the eyelid)

Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, speak to your doctor about daily disposable contacts. These can be a great option for allergy sufferers. Since dailies are thrown away at the end of the day, there’s no heavy allergen buildup on the lenses to worry about.

Consider switching to eyeglasses for a while. Even the most comfortable soft lenses can feel irritable during allergy season. Use the springtime to get yourself a new look. With a wide range of incredible styles to choose from, including exclusive eyewear collections from today’s hottest designers, there’s something for everyone. Not sure what the choose? Talk to your optician to help you find a style that’s right for you.

An Ocular Allergy Optometrist Near You

We’re here for you, and we want to help. Contact Dr. Ashcraft for any specific questions or concerns about your eye allergies.

Springtime Survival Guide: 8 Steps to Beat Eye Allergies

sneezing

After an unusually wet winter, we are excited spring is here! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the days are getting longer. While there is so much beauty all around, some people are suffering the downside of springtime: seasonal allergies.

Yes, this includes sneezing, congestion, and runny noses. But did you know that many people’s eyes are also affected by allergies? Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are caused by the inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the tissue inside the eyelid that ensures the eyelid and eyeball stay moist.

Have your eyes recently experienced any of the following?

 

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Puffiness
  • Tearing up
  • A burning or gritty sensation
  • Blurry vision

If so, you may be in the same boat as millions of other Americans with eye allergy symptoms. These symptoms are not only frustrating to deal with, but they also affect your productivity and make completing simple tasks seem impossible.

What Causes My Eye Allergies?

Allergies are caused by your immune systems response to a foreign substance in your body. Eye allergy symptoms can be caused by a number of factors. The most common indoor and outdoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, or pollen (this can be from trees, grasses, or weeds). Irritants like smoke, dirt, chemicals, and even perfume can also cause similar eye irritations.

Many patients have the most problems with their allergy symptoms during the spring and early fall.

“How To Treat Itchy Eyes Caused By Allergies”

8 Steps to Prevent Your Eye Allergies From Taking Over

Your eyes are very susceptible to irritants and allergens. The best way to avoid eye allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens in the first place. Here are some basic prevention tips:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Rubbing your eyes causes your body to release histamines, which worsens your symptoms.
  • Keep your eyes clean with artificial tears. This helps wash away the allergens causing an allergic reaction.
  • Use cold compresses on your eyes to decrease irritation and to provide relief.
  • Take out your contacts when symptoms get bad. Allergens can get in between your eyes and the lenses and make everything feel worse.
  • Be cautious about sharing products that come into contact with your eyes. That means don’t share your eye makeup or contact lenses with another person.
  • Clean your living spacefrequently. Vacuum, dust, and change the air filters to ensure the circulation of clean air.
  • Wash pillowcases and bedding in hot water to get rid of allergens.

My Allergy Symptoms Are Not Going Away. Help!

Over-the-counter medications or prescription treatments are an option if symptoms continue to persist. Talk with Dr. Ashcraft about what he recommends for your needs. With a little help, many people’s allergy symptoms can be managed. With so many beautiful things to see and do this spring, don’t let seasonal allergies get in your way!

Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15HyBmlY0Mw

 

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We Are Open! COVID-19 ReOpening—Expectations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety and well-being of our patients, staff and doctors is our first priority. Read Safety Protocols. Please read our safety protocols here.