Fall is in the air—and so are eye allergies. Environmental allergies can last throughout the entire season and are usually triggered by pollen, grass and weeds. In Arizona, with the rise of humidity and frequent storms, dust and mold are also common causes for seasonal eye allergies. Symptoms can include itching, burning, watering and redness, and could be accompanied by common nasal allergy symptoms. Don’t let irritated eyes take over the season, prevent and manage ocular allergies by following these tricks.
Prevention
- Glasses: Pollen deposited in the air is one of the main causes of eye allergies. Therefore, wearing glasses and sunglasses outdoors can help keep the allergen out of your eyes.
- Wash your Hands: It’s no secret that washing hands is a great way to stop the spread of bacteria and allergens. It is important to do so after touching animals, being outdoors and being around dust.
- Avoid Opening Windows: With the humidity rising, leaving windows open can do more than simply bring allergens indoors—it can increase the risk of mold and mildew. The use of air conditioning and dehumidifiers can also help reduce air humidity.
- Cleaning: Cleaning indoor areas and removing dust will minimize the growth of mold and prevent ocular allergies caused by dust and dirt.
Management
- Artificial Tears: These can temporarily wash off allergens and moisten dry and irritated eyes. Eye drops can be used as often as needed to soothe and provide comfort to the eyes.
- Decongestant Eye Drops: They help reduce redness associated with ocular allergies by narrowing the eyes’ blood vessels. These can be bought over the counter, however, they aren’t for long-term use and it is recommended to always ask your doctor before using them.
If you are currently suffering from ocular allergies or would like more information about how you can prevent and manage seasonal allergies, call 602-242-6888 or visit our website.
