Share:

Seasonal allergies can affect your eyes in many ways. Itchy, dry, or watery eyes, as well as discomfort wearing contact lenses, are common side effects of springtime allergies. However, taking a few precautions will reduce your allergy symptoms and help you see clearly all season. Here’s what you can do.

5 Tips for Managing Eye Allergy Symptoms

1. Avoid Allergens

Check the pollen counts each morning, and stay indoors as much as possible when they’re high. Keep the windows closed, and make sure your AC’s filter is clean—it may need to be replaced. An air purifier can also help reduce your allergy symptoms by removing contaminants from the air in your home.

2. Care for Your Contact Lenses

Allergens can easily stick to your contact lenses, so thoroughly clean them every day and store them properly to avoid itchy, dry eyes. You may also want to wear your glasses to help keep allergens from reaching your eyes.

3. Wear Sunglasses

contact lensesWhenever you go outdoors, wear sunglasses to keep dust and dander particles away from your eyes. To retain your vision, get a pair of prescription sunglasses to wear when pollen counts are high, and your contacts are uncomfortable.

4. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

While rubbing your itchy, dry eyes may help them feel better for the moment, you’ll only increase your overall irritation. Instead, use saline to rinse the allergens from your eyes or artificial tears to combat dryness. You can also apply a cool compress to your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes to help alleviate the symptoms.

5. Take Medication

Some common over-the-counter allergy medications help reduce eye allergies. The medication will help you manage the uncomfortable symptoms that inhibit your day. However, if you have to take the medication for more than a few weeks to find relief, talk to your eye doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.

 

If you want help managing your eye allergies this spring, contact the team at Hawaii Vision Clinic in Aiea or Honolulu, HI. These professionals will equip you with extra contact lens solution, eye allergy management tips, and prescription sunglasses to alleviate your discomfort. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 594-9194 to schedule an appointment.

tracking