As the season changes, you may experience different health problems. When spring comes it gives you seasonal allergies that can give you congestion, headaches, itchy and swollen eyes. Eye allergies are also known to be allergic conjunctivitis which commonly occurs when the eye is exposed to a substance that irritates them.
Allergen is the term called for the irritants that can be pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, or foods. If you are aware of the allergy that you have, you must know how to prevent and treat it. Nasal allergies that give you an itchy and stuffy nose are connected to eye allergies because they come together with seasonal allergies.
Symptoms
These are the most common eye allergy symptoms:
- Red eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Burning feeling
- Tearing of the eyes
- Light sensitivity
These symptoms may be accompanied by nasal allergies such as sneezing, itchy and stuffy nose. You may also experience headaches, sore throat, and coughing. Be reminded that eye allergies cannot be transmitted from person to person like other kinds of conjunctivitis.
How To Soothe Eye Allergies
- The most important to do during the spring or any season is to avoid exposure to irritants. You can minimize your risk of developing allergies if you limit or avoid exposure to allergens. If you are turning the cooling system for the first time, it is advised that you change your HVAC filters. Make sure that you check the pollen levels online before going out. Clean home and keep windows closed.
- If you know that you are prone to allergy-related eye infection, do not wear your contacts during the spring weather. Do not blame contacts because they do not cause symptoms but they can aggravate symptoms. Wear eyeglasses in the meantime but make sure that the prescription is updated.
- Rinse your eyes with saline solution to minimize allergen exposure.
- Medicated eye drops can help to relieve eye discomfort in seasonal eye allergies. Consult with an optometrist before using any eye health regimen because they know what is best for your symptoms.
- Redness and swelling may be present when you have eye allergies, you may try cold therapy to give you a soothing relief from these symptoms and improve the appearance of skin around the eyes.
- Wash your hands and face frequently during allergy season.
- Use sunglasses when you are outside to protect your eyes from direct contact with allergens. If you are wearing prescription eyeglasses, you might want to invest in prescription sunglasses for vision correction and the benefits of sunglasses.
