As the end of summer approaches, many individuals begin to experience symptoms of ragweed allergy or hay fever. Above sneezing and congestion, symptoms that affect the eyes can significantly impede one's ability to function as desired.
Symptoms of eye allergies include tearing, itchiness, swelling and stinging. Often vision becomes blurry or eyes become sensitive to light. These symptoms can make it so uncomfortable for those affected that they interfere with work, school, sports and leisure activities.
If you wear contacts, symptoms can often be worse since contacts can often attract pollen. In addition, when our eyes itch, we usually rub them which can result in even more irritation for contact users. Contact lens users experiencing ocular allergies often find themselves using wetting drops frequently or even reducing the use of their contacts or primarily wearing eyeglasses. If you wear contacts and experience eye allergies, you may want to consider a different brand of contacts, particularly if you aren't using daily disposables which minimize the likelihood of pollen collection. If you are experiencing problems from your contacts, visit our Clarksville, IN optometry practice to discuss your options.
Whether you wear contacts or not, here are some tips to reduce fall ocular allergy discomfort:
- Stay indoors during the middle of the day and early evening when the pollen levels are highest.
- Wear large sunglasses to help block the pollen from entering your eyes.
- Use a clothes dryer rather than hanging clothing out to dry whenever possible.
- Clean floors with a damp mop rather than sweeping which can often stir up rather than get rid of allergens.
- Refrigerate eye drops or use cool compresses for extra soothing.
- Shower at night to wash off any allergens you may have collected throughout the day.
While over the counter medications and eye drops can sometimes help relieve symptoms, you may need something stronger. If this is the case, make an appointment with your optometrist now to discuss your options and begin effective treatment. Our Clarksville, IN eye care office is here to help your eyes feel their best despite allergy season!