Seasonal allergy season is creeping up on the desert. For every palo verde covered in golden glory, there will be an Arizonan cursing each yellow flower. Arizona might not see the pollen counts that some greener states do, but we have plenty of airborne allergies to cause itchy, watery eyes.
Allergy season doesn’t have to mean discomfort. Avoid the worst symptoms of eye allergies this season by following these simple tips!
Why Seasonal Allergies Happen
Seasonal allergies happen because your body has a disproportionate reaction to something. Your immune system releases antibodies to counter a perceived threat. This reaction causes your eyes to release histamines. These are the cause of your red, watery, itchy eyes.
You can feel the effects of eye allergies all year, not just during allergy season. People who only have these allergic reactions during certain seasons are said to have seasonal allergies. Those who feel the effects of allergies year-round are said to have perennial allergies.
How to Deal with the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Your first line of defense against seasonal allergy symptoms is avoiding the substances that trigger the reaction. If you can’t avoid what sets your allergies off, you can use over-the-counter remedies to help mitigate them. Should your symptoms not ease, make an appointment with your eye care professional to ensure it isn’t a more serious health issue.
- Avoid your allergy triggers. Use a weather app that shows pollen counts. Stay inside when the pollen count is high. Close your windows and run your air conditioner or air purifier. If you need to go out, wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to block pollen from your eyes. Close the windows of your car and run the air conditioner.
- Use over-the-counter eye drops. These can help wash the pollen away and soothe your irritated eyes. For extra soothing, you can place your eye drops in the refrigerator.
- Cold compresses can help. Wet a clean cloth with cool water and let it rest over your eyes.
- Take over-the-counter allergy remedies. Non-drowsy varieties can help make you more comfortable without sending you for an unexpected nap.
Contact Valley Eyecare Center for Help With Eye Allergies
If your eye allergies persist, or you have other vision health concerns, the eye care professionals at Valley Eyecare Center want to help! Contact us online, or call us at (602) 955-2700 for an appointment.
