Itchy, burning, watery eyes—sound familiar? You may suffer from eye allergies. Aside from being uncomfortable, ocular allergies can also temporarily impair your vision. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep this pesky condition at bay. Here, the eye doctors of Clear Vision Center in Brooklyn, NY, explain what you can do to get relief from your eye allergies as soon as possible.

The first step in combatting allergies is to figure out what triggers them. There are two types: seasonal and perennial. When seasonal, allergies only occur at a certain time of year—such as springtime pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. When perennial, they occur all year long. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.

Figuring out what sparks your ocular allergies can help you combat the cause. Is pollen to blame? Stay inside on days when the meteorologist reports a high pollen count and keep your windows closed. Think dust mites might be the culprit? Invest in hypoallergenic bedding. If you have a pet, vacuum and mop regularly to keep dander at bay. Finally, consider replacing old mattresses, rugs, and upholstered furniture—all of which can house dust, mites, and hair.

In addition to maintaining allergen-free surroundings, there are steps you can take to combat itching, watering eyes. Eyeglasses and sunglasses offer a protective screen against the outside world. An eye doctor can procure prescription lenses for you if needed. If you do notice irritation taking hold, use a sterile saline rinse or eye drops to flush out allergens.

If you are still having issues with ocular allergies, talk to an eye doctor about medication. For expert insight in Brooklyn, NY, look to the vision care specialists at Clear Vision Center. These professionals have been serving the local community for more than a decade. You can find out more about their services online. If you have any questions, call (718) 771-0078.