How to stop itchy eyes from hay fever
Are red, dry or watery, itchy eyes driving you crazy?!
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies, is a common allergic condition that affects one in five people at some point in their life. Allergy symptoms include itchy, red or watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose and sneezing.
Some people’s eyes can be particularly sensitive to the fine powder of pollen, and our body’s natural response is to wash the pollen out, which is why some people end up with watery eyes. They can also become red, itchy, and sticky as the immune system reacts.
Top tips for reducing eye symptoms
Wearing wraparound sunglasses looks great and protects your eyes from UV light. Plus, if you’re a hay fever sufferer then wraparound sunglasses will help stop pollens and allergens getting near your eyes. We have a wide range of great-looking wraparound sunglasses, come and see them!
Here are some of our top tips for how to stop itchy eyes hay fever:
Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after spending time outdoors to remove any pollen from your skin and hair.
Dry washed clothes indoors during the peak pollen season.
Keep windows closed during peak pollen times.
Stay indoors when the pollen count is high
Put petroleum jelly around your nostrils to stop the allergens heading into your nose.
Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments because the trap airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, to reduce allergens in your home.
Although there’s no scientific evidence to prove it, a popular theory suggests eating locally produced honey. According to the theory, it will lower your allergic reaction over time to the pollen that the bees collect in your area.
NOTE: Rubbing your itchy eyes will not help – it will make it worse – try a cold compress instead using a special eye mask and eye drops.
When to seek medical advice for itchy eyes?
When you get allergy eye symptoms, make an appointment to see your Optometrist. Don’t take chances with your eyes and ignore symptoms.
Eyes are delicate. If your eyes are sore and you are concerned, see your Optician for a diagnosis. Don’t let hayfever irritate your eyes, let us help you treat hay fever eye issues. We can help you find relief from sore eyes. Our optician can advise you how to treat eye allergy symptoms with eye drops. Drops containing antihistamine should reduce the inflammation in your eyes and relieve the itching and we will look at which ones are best suited to your condition and individual needs.
Come and see us and feel happy knowing that you have made informed choices about managing your hay fever. We recommend that you come and see us if you feel there is something lodged in your eye, an eye infection develops. your vision starts to get worse or your itchy eyes turn into moderate to severe eye pain.
Itchy Eye Causes
The most common cause of itchy eyes is hay fever caused by an allergic reaction to tree, grass and weed pollens, which can cause a lot of discomfort, especially in spring and summer when the weather is warm and dry. These are known as seasonal allergies; if you get itchy eyes around the same time every year, you may have a seasonal allergy to ragweed or something else that blooms and releases pollen during certain times of year.
Itchy eyes can also be triggered by pet dander, dust mites, mould spores, dust and certain foods and chemicals. These are perennial allergies which, unlike seasonal allergies, are those you may have all year long, plus you also may be allergic to certain products in your home. Also, the contact lens solution you use may be irritating your eyes, or the soap or shampoo you use may be the problem.
Some people are particularly sensitive to smoke, exhaust fumes, or even perfumes, known as airborne irritants. Avoiding exposure to this type of irritants is the best solution. Soothing eye drops or an eye mask over your closed eyes may help you feel better fast.
Your eyes are vulnerable to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections — all of which can bring on itchy eyes. One of the more common eye infections is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye because the white part of the infected eye turns pink. This infection is very contagious. Seek advice from an Optician.
Dry Eye or Allergies: How to Tell the Difference
Dry eye is another common cause of itchy eyes, and it is hard to differentiate between this and allergies. These two conditions share some similarities in symptoms, but eye allergies have different underlying causes from dry eye. Note that it is possible for eye allergies to lead to dry eye condition.
Dry eye is a condition that develops when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or if the tears your eyes do produce dry up quicker than normal. The most notable symptom that sets allergy eyes and dry eyes apart is itchiness. With allergy eyes, the itchiness may be so severe that you accidentally create tears and redness from rubbing your eyes. If your eyes are dry but not itchy, then your symptoms may be attributed to dry eye.
If left untreated, dry eyes can cause vision problems.
These include sensitivity to light and blurry vision, and permanent eye damage can occur in the most severe cases. We can diagnose and treat dry eye, just give us a call and make an appointment to see the Optician so we can recommend the best treatment options including eye drops. Some are designed for allergies and redness, while others work like artificial tears for dryness.
If you are ever worried about your eyes or your family’s eye health, feel free to come and talk to us. Call 020 8759 9395 to make an appointment for an eye test. Alternatively, you can book online.
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