Seasonal allergies can cause many different symptoms, including several that are specific to your eyes. When suffering from allergies, your eyes might become:
- Dry
- Itchy
- Red
- Watery
- Puffy
- Painful or burning feeling/feeling as though something is in your eye
To treat these symptoms, it can help to figure out what is triggering the allergy.
Some common allergens you may be reacting to include pollen, pets (dander), dust, mold, smoke, and fragrances/perfumed household items like soap, body spray, laundry detergent, etc. Once identified, you can limit contact and try to avoid the allergen.
There are ways to treat and manage your allergy symptoms. These include:
- Wearing sunglasses or eye protection to avoid pollen
- Using air filters
- Using eye drops for dry eyes
- Oral antihistamines (monitor to ensure dry eye symptoms do not increase when in use)
- Frequently wash your hands, especially after being exposed to an allergen
- Keep your home free of dust and mold (be careful when cleaning up and cautious around your eyes)
- Switch to scent-free soaps, detergents and household cleaners
If you frequently suffer from allergies that impact your eyes or vision, be sure to speak to your optometrist and medical care team. They can help diagnose the allergy and recommend treatment. Alerting your eye doctor to allergy symptoms is also important because these symptoms can be signs of other eye diseases or conditions. Seeking care will not only help you resolve painful and uncomfortable symptoms, but it will also help ensure your eye health.
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