Spring is coming and for too many people, that means eye allergies. The spring air is full of pollen and other allergens which can lead to 
watery, itchy, or painful eyes. Allergies are impossible to entirely prevent, but there are a few different ways to help relieve the discomfort of eye allergies.
How To Minimize Your Eye Allergies
1 – Keep your windows closed
During times of the year with high pollen counts or other high levels of pollutants in the air, keep the windows closed in your home and car. This reduces how much outside air gets in. Meanwhile, any allergens currently in the air will tend to settle on the ground, or in ductwork, away from your eyes.
2 – Wear glasses, not contacts
Glasses will do more to deflect allergens heading for your eyes, and can help protect them somewhat. Contacts, on the other hand, can potentially trap irritants beneath the lens, especially if it doesn’t fit quite as well as it should.
If you do wear contacts, be extra vigilant about cleaning them during allergy season. You don’t want any particles sticking to them, and making their way into your eyes.
3 – Wash your hands after interacting with animals
This is a good idea in general, but especially relevant to people with pet-related allergies. Both pet dander (as in dandruff) and fur mites can cause irritating allergies in a lot of people. Having those materials on your hands makes it easy for them to then get into your eyes.
So, even if you don’t typically have allergies to animals, take a moment to wash your hands after playing with them.
4 – Over-the-counter antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of drug which suppress the body’s immune responses, and are the most common treatment for basic allergies. These can be very effective in reducing the symptoms of eye allergies, such as reducing the redness and runny eyes.
However, be aware that antihistamines typically cause your eyes to become dry as a result. You may need to pair them with some basic eyedrops to keep your eyes hydrated.
5 – Allergy shots
If you suffer so badly from allergies that they actually affect your eyesight, more advanced help may be needed. Eye doctors can prescribe high-powered antihistamine shots in these cases – but only if regular antihistamines don’t work.
If you suffer from allergies and nothing seems to help, visit Valley Eyecare Center! Our experts can work with you to suggest new options. Click here to schedule an appointment.
