May

9

Vision Tip of the Month: Fighting Eye Allergies

Filed Under Vision Information 


Creative Commons License photo credit: Corey (a.k.a. Ten0fnine)

While eye allergies cannot be cured, here are some ways you can combat your symptoms:

Know your enemy.

According to the AAFA, a lot of pollen is released early in the morning, shortly after dawn. Pollen travels best on warm, dry, breezy days and peaks in urban areas midday, whereas pollen counts are lowest during chilly, wet periods. The National Allergy Bureau tracks pollen counts for different regions of the country.

Stay inside.

Limiting outdoor activity during pollination periods will lessen the amount of pollen you inhale. Keep windows and doors closed on days when the pollen is heavy. (A tip: Setting your central air conditioning on “recirculate” will help minimize the amount of pollen inside your home.) If you must go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.

Don’t touch!

Avoid rubbing your eyes, which will only irritate them and make your condition worse. You’ll get better relief by using eye drops sold over the counter: Tear substitutes can wash allergens out of the eyes; decongestants (vasoconstrictors) reduce redness; and antihistamines help reduce itching. Warm compresses can also ease symptoms. Some herbal remedies, including eyebright in conjunction with stinging nettle, are said to provide a significant reduction in hay fever symptoms; as always, consult your doctor before you take any herbal medications.

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