As much as we all love the arrival of spring, it also signals the beginning of seasonal allergies. One of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies is itchy, red and watery eyes.

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how uncomfortable and annoying it can be. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your eyes safe and healthy. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of these tips.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies and Eye Health

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles.

When these allergens enter the body, the immune system produces histamine, which causes the symptoms associated with allergies.

Allergies can affect the eyes in several ways. The most common symptoms of eye allergies include:.

Red, swollen and itchy eyes
Watery eyes
Burning and stinging sensation
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision

How to Keep Your Eyes Safe and Healthy During Allergy Season

There are several things you can do to keep your eyes safe and healthy during allergy season. Here are a few tips:.

Avoid Allergens

The best way to deal with eye allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger them. Here are some tips:.

Stay indoors when pollen counts are high
Keep windows and doors closed
Use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter
Wear sunglasses when outdoors
Wash your hands frequently to remove allergens
Take a shower or bath before bedtime to rinse away allergens that may have accumulated on your hair and skin

Use Eye Drops

Eye drops can be very effective in relieving the symptoms of eye allergies. There are several types of eye drops available over-the-counter. Some of these eye drops include antihistamines, decongestants, and mast cell stabilizers.

Antihistamine eye drops work by blocking histamine, which is the chemical that causes allergy symptoms. Decongestant eye drops reduce redness by constricting blood vessels in the eyes.

Mast cell stabilizer eye drops prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Apply a Warm Compress

A warm compress can help relieve the discomfort caused by eye allergies. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. The warm compress will help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated eyes.

Keep Your Eyes Clean

Keeping your eyes clean is another important step in maintaining eye health during allergy season. Here are some tips:.

Wash your face and eyelids regularly with warm water and mild soap
Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen the symptoms
Remove your contact lenses before going to bed to avoid accumulation of allergens on them
Use a saline solution to rinse your eyes

See Your Eye Doctor

If your symptoms persist despite your best efforts to manage them, it’s a good idea to see your eye doctor. They can prescribe stronger medications or recommend other treatments to relieve your symptoms.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies can be very uncomfortable, but there are several things you can do to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

By avoiding allergens, using eye drops, applying a warm compress, keeping your eyes clean and seeing your eye doctor, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy the spring season.