Ah, Spring. Flowers are blooming, sun is shining, and every day is a beautiful day....unless you're one of the 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and congestion, but it can also cause pink eye and irritation like red, swollen, dry, watery, itchy eyes.
Here are 5 easy steps you can take at home to help your eyes.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses work double duty in the spring. They'll protect your eyes from UV from the sun, and the bigger lenses can act as a shield, minimizing the amount of pollen coming at your face.
psst! Did you know you can use your Flex/HSA toward sunwear?
Ask an optician how you can get a discount when buying sunglasses.
Wear Glasses
Instead of contact lenses, stick to your glasses. They will allow your eyes to breathe better and limit the pollen and dust that can stick to contacts. Plus, they help avoid eye rubbing which can irritate allergies even more.
Switch to Dailies
If you want to continue wearing contact lenses during allergy season, try a daily lens like Acuvue One Day Moist or BioTrue OneDay. Daily lenses are the cleanest (and often most comfortable) contact lenses. Ask for a trial pair and see for yourself.
Use a Cool Compress
Rubbing your eyes can make the irritation worse. Instead, apply a cool compress (like a wet washcloth or a reusable gel eye mask) for relief. Keep your eyelashes and lids clean to reduce pollen around your eyes.
Use Allergy Eye Drops
Antihistamine eye drops like Zaditor, Pataday and Patadol are available over the counter and help with red, itchy eyes caused by allergies.
Still suffering?
Dr. Dave and Dr. Michelle are experts at treating eye diseases and eye allergies. Schedule an appointment for comprehensive care that can target your specific allergy needs.