Spring is Eye Allergy Season

Are you experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes? If yes, it could be due to spring eye allergies. For some, spring is pollen season, which means uncomfortable symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, stinging, burning and watery eyes. Springtime eye allergies are caused by the release of pollen from trees and flowers into the air and can greatly inhibit everyday functioning for those that suffer from them.

What can you do to guard your eyes during allergy season? If at all feasible, try to reduce exposure to allergens by staying inside, particularly when the pollen count is high. Closing windows, cooling off with air conditioning and putting on full-coverage sunglasses when going outside may also help to protect your eyes from allergens in the air. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is also known to remove allergens from the air when you are inside.

Since most of us have to leave the house on occasion, certain medications can reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes, red eyes or watery eyes. It's possible that a basic eye drop is all that's needed to moisturize and relieve itchy eyes or red eyes and remove irritants. Medications with antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers can alleviate irritation of the eyes as well as other symptoms such as stuffed or runny nose and sneezing. Eye drops often work more quickly and effectively than pills or liquid medications to treat eye problems.

Individuals that wear contact lenses often have worse symptoms from eye allergies due to the fact that irritants can accumulate on the surface of the lens, triggering an allergic reaction. This is made worse when oral antihistamines are taken which further dry out the eyes. Contact lens wearers should take steps to keep their eyes lubricated and switch lenses as directed. Many eye care professionals prefer the use of daily disposable contacts, because changing your lenses more frequently reduces the chances of buildup and irritation.

If you are experiencing red, itchy eyes, don't rub them. This will only exacerbate the inflammation. Due to the fact that often effective medications do require a prescription, if over-the-counter medications do not help, see your eye doctor.