Eye allergies are very common, affecting up to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children in the United States according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).
Symptoms typically include itchy eyes, red eyes, watery eyes and swollen eyelids. Aside from eye discomfort, some allergy sufferers may also experience a runny nose, sneezing and congestion.
Different types of eye allergies exist, with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) as the most common. SAC is triggered by plant pollen in the air so patients experience symptoms in spring, summer or fall.
Seasonal eye allergies may seem trivial as they’re not necessarily life threatening, but they can affect one’s quality of life. While this type of allergy doesn’t completely go away, there are ways for you to keep the symptoms manageable.
Insight Vision Center Optometry, a team of reputable eye doctors, shares tips on how you can get relief from your eye allergy whenever it happens.
1. Limit Your Exposure to Allergens
The pollen count is usually at its peak during the mid-morning and early evening, so, if possible, stay indoors during these times. If you need to go outside, make sure to wear glasses so that you can minimize the amount of pollen that could get into your eyes.
When indoors, keep your windows closed, and use air conditioning. You might want to invest in a dehumidifier as well. This will help keep the humidity in your home low.
2. Remove Your Contacts
The surface of contact lenses can accumulate airborne allergens so you might want to reach for your eyeglasses instead during allergy season. Alternatively, you can switch to daily disposable contacts so you won’t have to worry about the buildup of allergens or debris on your lenses. If you’re using or considering reshaping contact lenses, make sure to consult with an eye doctor. Insight Vision Center Optometry has some of the best specialists in Ortho-k in the area.
3. Use Eye Drops
Non-prescription eye drops work well for relatively mild symptoms. These can offer you quick relief if you’re experiencing itchiness, redness or watery eyes.
4. Take Prescription Medication
If over-the-counter eye drops aren’t working for you, consult with your eye doctors. They may prescribe stronger medication, such as prescription eye drops or oral medications. Antihistamines, decongestants and mast cell stabilizers are some of the medications they can give you.
Insight Vision Center Optometry has a team of experienced and licensed eye doctors. Call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We take care of our patients in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA.
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