Eye allergies are extremely common. So, as we’re quickly approaching spring and the peak of allergy season, preparation is key to prevent itchy, watery eyes.
The best ways to prepare for allergy season and prevent eye allergies include:
Avoid Known Allergens.
Knowing your allergy triggers and avoiding them is a great strategy for keeping eye allergies to a minimum. For many people, the increase of pollen in the air during the spring leads to allergy symptoms.
If pollen is the primary cause of your eye allergies, consider checking the pollen forecast regularly. On days with high pollen levels, spend more time inside and keep the windows closed as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to shower soon after returning home to wash off any pollen that lands on your skin.
Understand The Difference Between Eye Allergies and Other Eye Conditions.
Itchy, red, watery eyes are typical signs of eye allergies. But, these symptoms are also common in eye conditions including pink eye and dry eye.
As a rule of thumb, remember that if itching is your most dominant symptom, you’re probably dealing with allergies. If other symptoms are more pronounced than the itching, your eye irritation could stem from a different cause.
Keep Eye Allergy Medications on Hand.
If you’ve experienced eye allergies before, we recommend having allergy eye drops on hand before the start of allergy season. At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we recommend Pataday for patients with eye allergies. Pataday is the best anti-allergy eye drop around, and it’s now available over-the-counter.
Wear Glasses and Sunglasses.
Wearing sunglasses can prevent pollen and other airborne allergens from entering your eyes when you’re outside. If you wear contacts and are struggling with eye allergies, taking a break from your contacts and wearing glasses instead may provide some relief. Airborne allergens can stick to contact lenses and cause irritation.
If you’re suffering from eye allergies despite at-home treatments, schedule an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Florida for expert care.