Allergies
Comment (0)

Eyes Irritated from Pollen Allergies?

April 24, 2020

Preventive Steps can Help

Even as we cope with the Coronavirus threat, spring has sprung here in Monmouth County, and our trees and plants are blooming with gusto. We’ve also had strong winds to carry pollen and other particles into the eyes and noses of allergy sufferers. Unfortunately, more than 40 million Americans who struggle with seasonal allergies may find their eyes are once again red, itchy, and watery. Your Atlantic Eye physicians want to share some tips about minimizing the misery of spring pollen allergies – especially important now when we need to avoid rubbing or touching irritated eyes!

Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicines can offer some relief. (Note that redness-relieving eye drops should be used only occasionally and for less than 72 hours at a time, to avoid a rebound effect.)

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, preventive steps can also help reduce the severity of eye allergies:
  • Wear sunglasses or eyeglasses whenever possible to protect your eyes from pollen.
  • Remove your jacket, hat, and shoes as soon as you enter the house to avoid tracking pollen inside. Also, don’t hang laundry outside to dry.
  • Shower before bed to remove pollen from skin and hair.
  • Monitor the pollen count each day (either online or through your local weather forecast). Try to spend less time outside when those counts are very high.

We hope these prevention tips will help you minimize the eye irritation caused by seasonal allergies. Of course, if you also have blurry vision, pain, or more severe discomfort in your eyes, it’s time to report these symptoms to your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist. Our staff is available to answer your questions and direct your care. To serve your eye health needs while observing social isolation, we offer Doxy. Me telemedicine visits when indicated. Call us with questions or for more information.