Eye Conditions and Concerns, what is 20/20 Vision and the Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Guarding Your Eyes During Allergy Season

If you are experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes it could be due to seasonal eye allergies. For some of us, spring is eye allergy time, marking the onset of uncomfortable symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, stinging, burning and watery eyes. Seasonal eye allergies are often a result of the release of pollen from trees and flowers into the atmosphere and can result in a severe impact on everyday functioning for those that experience them.

What can you do to protect your eyes this allergy season? Well the most obvious answer would be to reduce contact with pollen by staying inside, especially when the pollen count is high. Closing windows, cooling off with air conditioners and wearing full-coverage sunglasses when exposed to the elements can also help to protect your eyes from irritants in the atmosphere. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is also an effective way to clear irritants from the air inside your home or office.

Since most of us must leave the house on occasion, there are medicines that can reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes, red eyes or watery eyes. Often times a simple eye drop will soothe and relieve itchy eyes or red eyes and remove allergens. Products containing antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers are made to allay inflammation of the eyes and treat other symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Drops often work better than oral products to alleviate eye problems.

Nearly 20% of Americans are affected by allergies, almost 50% of which are allergic eye disease. Eye allergies are often hereditary and result from an over-sensitivity to a particle that has entered the eye even when it is not necessarily harmful. The eye releases histamines and other immune mediators which cause excessive tears, itching, burning, redness and irritation.

If your eyes are irritated, don't rub them. This will just worsen the inflammation. Due to the fact that some of the effective medications do require a prescription, if over-the-counter solutions are not working for you, see your optometrist.