As if nasal congestion, sneezing and sniffling weren’t enough, seasonal and year-round allergens can also trigger eye allergies. Your eyes may also get into the act by becoming itchy, red and watery. Here are three tips that can help relieve eye allergies.
Limit Your Exposure to Allergens
Ok, this may be easier said than done. However, if you know what your allergy triggers are, you should try to avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, you should avoid going outdoors on a high-pollen count day or if you are allergic to cats, stay away from them. If you do not know what your allergy triggers are, it’s a good idea to get tested to determine what they are.
Use Allergy Medications for Your Eyes
Over-the-counter oral allergy medications or eye drops can provide relief for eye allergies. If you are currently taking an antihistamine or decongestant and not getting relief, your doctor can prescribe you a stronger medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms or if you develop allergic conjunctivitis, you may need NSAID or corticosteroid eye drops to provide relief to your eyes.
Don’t Wear Your Contacts
It is better to wear eyeglasses versus contacts during allergy season. Airborne allergens can build-up on the surface of your contacts and worsen your eye allergies. If you must wear contacts, consider switching to daily disposables that you use only once.
If you cannot get relief from your eye allergies, it is time to talk to your eye doctor. Call Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
