Fall Can Be Difficult for Those Suffering From Eye Allergies
If you have allergies that affect your eyes, you know how frustrating they can be. Your eyes get red, teary, and itchy, and it seems like there is really nothing you can do about it. You want to rub them, but you know that only makes it worse. So how do you deal with allergies and itchy eyes?
The first thing to realize is that the process that is causing your runny nose and sneezing is also what is affecting your eyes, so anti-allergy medications like antihistamines that help with those nasal symptoms should also assist in clearing up your eye symptoms.
Some people have seasonal allergies, like the dreaded hay fever, that crop up in warmer months when there is more pollen in the air. Although these allergies can be unpleasant, people with perennial allergies may feel they have it worse. These are people whose allergies are triggered year-round, by things like dust, pet dander and smoke.
Eye-Allergy Relief
So, what can you do besides take antihistamines when allergies are making your eyes itchy and red? Well, before you even get to that stage, you can take steps to avoid triggering your allergies in the first place.
For starters, take note of daily pollen counts and when they are too high, stay indoors, especially in the middle of the morning and early evening. If you use a fan to keep cool, then switch to air-conditioning instead. It may be more expensive, but fans can bring in pollen from the outside.
If you are allergic to dust, you can get hypoallergenic pillow covers that block allergens. You should also change your mattress if it’s close to five years old or more, and wash your bedding in hot water frequently.
If you have contact lenses, take them out. They may have substances trapped under them that are irritating your eyes. Clean them thoroughly and put them back in after your eyes have had a chance to rest. If this helps, and you find yourself having this problem frequently, consider changing to disposable lenses.
Over-the-counter eye drops can also be surprisingly effective at soothing red, itchy eyes. These come in a number of different formulas so you may want to try a couple until you find the one that is right for you.
If you’re looking for home remedies for your itchy eye-problem, cold compresses applied directly to the eyes can sometimes do the trick. If you’re still experiencing itching, try adding chamomile.
If Your Itchy Eyes Persist…
If your eyes stay itchy and red even in the absence of allergens, then you may have a more serious problem, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by others such as pain, blurry vision, decreased vision, spots, or a feeling like there is something in your eye.
If you are in this situation, you should contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. While allergies that make eyes itchy, red and swollen are generally harmless, you may have a more serious condition that could threaten your eyesight.
If you’re looking for eye care in the Portland area, come to Beaumont Vision. Here, you’ll find highly trained professionals who can examine your eyes thoroughly in an intimate setting and prescribe effective solutions to whatever eye issues you may be having at this time. For more tips on eye care or to schedule an eye appointment, contact Beaumont Vision today.