Springtime Eye Allergies: Winning the Battle
It’s springtime and along with love being in the air, so are all the allergies that affect us. The most common causes of eye allergies stem from pollen that is associated with the flowers and trees. An estimated 1 in 5 people suffer from allergies that affect the eyes. If you are one of those people, then you know what it’s like to suffer through the allergies.
While typically eye allergies fall under the annoying category, it’s possible that itching and scratching your eyes will cause additional injury to your eyes, or even possibly an infection — so it’s important to take good care of your eyes.
Eye Allergy Symptoms
Many people consider allergies to be minor, and they simply deal with the symptoms. The most common symptoms of eye allergies include:
• Itching sensations around the eye or coming from your eye itself
• Tears and watery eyes
• Red and sore eyes
• Swollen eyelids and around the eyes
Most people choose to deal with these symptoms as they are more uncomfortable than dangerous. However, some cases of eye allergies can be severe and should be looked at by a doctor. If you are experiencing stronger burning sensations or any of the other symptoms persist, then it is important to have your eyes examined.
Sometimes symptoms similar to mere allergies are the result of an eye infection. Remember that your eyes are priceless. If you suspect there might be anything more serious than a simple allergy, then getting diagnosed by a medical professional is paramount.
Tips for Taking Care of Eye Allergies
If you are preparing for eye allergy season, there are some simply things you can do around your home to reduce possible exposure.
1. Keep your home free of dust. Dusty homes are common causes of eye allergies
2. Keep pets off the furniture and clean your home and clothes for pet hair
3. Ensure that your furnace and air conditioner have been maintained and have clean filters and seal duct systems. Improper ventilation for air conditioning and furnaces are the number cause of indoor air pollution
4. Protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses, keeping your car windows rolled up and closing windows in your home. If you limit your eyes exposure to allergens you decrease chances of symptoms.
5. Avoid areas that have caused you trouble in the past. If you know certain tree pollen exacerbates your allergies, avoid all areas where you know those trees are present.
When to See a Doctor for Eye Allergies
If any of these common symptoms get progressively more severe, then it’s important to see an eye doctor. It’s also important to monitor your children if they have eye allergies. A simple eye allergy could turn into a more severe condition if your child intensely rubs their eyes, or if they scratch them as a result from the itching sensation of allergies. Monitor your children and ensure they are not making their allergies worse. Prescription eye drops are available for those with severe eye allergies.
[Photo Via: Wine Surprises]