General allergies, chronic rhinitis, sinus headaches, and nasal congestion: whether you suffer seasonally or year-round from these frustrating and uncomfortable conditions, they could be affecting more than you think! Have you ever experienced the strain of overworked eyes? Have your eyes felt “tired” of doing their job? Does your vision occasionally blur, even with corrective lenses? Do one or more of these symptoms frequently appear at once? As the expert optometrists from Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates know, these unfortunate symptoms are often related.

The swelling of tissue, inflamed blood vessels, and blockages in the sinus passages cause a wide range of discomfort for frequent and occasional sufferers alike. They may cause aches around the eyes, ears, and throat; a sore or dry throat; pressure in the face and behind the eyes; swollen glands, mucus buildup in the throat; congestion of the ears; itchy eyes; inflamed and sore gums, and additional symptoms that manifest in unusual ways. However, the onset of blurred vision, the result of unnecessary strain to the eyes, can be the most disconcerting.

So what can you do to reduce the level of eyestrain you may experience during a cold? According to the professional eye doctors, in addition to treating your cold with an over-the-counter decongestant or pain reliever, keep your nasal passages moist, avoid “irritants” such as perfumes, smoke, and chemicals (certain types of makeup remover, et. al.), and reduce the amount of time spent looking at screens. Additionally, a nightly eye soak with a warm, damp washcloth will greatly help sooth tired eyes.

If any serious symptoms emerge, such as double vision, pounding headache, or noticeable changes in vision, contact your optometrist immediately. For more information on eye health and optometry services, contact Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates today by calling (808) 487-5500 or visiting the practice’s website.