By Mellissa Wahl, VisionPoint Eye Center
As the days get warmer and flowers bloom, the beauty of spring calls us outdoors. But for many, the season comes with a downside—itchy, watery, and red, swollen eyes. If you’ve ever found yourself rubbing your eyes or reaching for tissues during a springtime walk, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what triggers these reactions, how to manage them, and tips for keeping your eyes comfortable so you can enjoy the season.
What Causes Spring Allergies?
Spring allergies are typically triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers. These microscopic particles are released into the air as part of the plant’s reproductive process. When these particles make contact with your eyes, nose, or lungs, they can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
But pollen isn’t the only allergen that can be problematic. Other common triggers include pet dander, dust mites, and mold. These allergens are present year-round, but they often become more noticeable during spring when the increase in pollen in the air exacerbates reactions.
When pollen enters the body, the immune system mistakenly treats it as a harmful substance, releasing histamine, which can lead to inflammation, swelling, and allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. While some people experience only mild irritation, others can have more severe reactions, making it hard to enjoy the season.
How Allergies Affect Your Eyes
The eyes are particularly vulnerable to allergic reactions. The most common symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling, which are often accompanied by watering or a gritty/sandy sensation. For contact lens wearers, discomfort can be even worse. Allergens can get trapped under lenses, intensifying irritation and causing additional dryness and burning.
Although decongestants can alleviate some of the respiratory symptoms of allergies, they can also dry out the eyes, making the problem worse. This creates a frustrating cycle, where treating one symptom can lead to worsening eye discomfort.
Simple Steps for Relief
While you can’t always control the allergens in the air, there are steps you can take to alleviate eye discomfort and manage your allergy symptoms. Staying hydrated is key, as dry eyes are more sensitive to allergens. It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation and lead to further inflammation. If you do find yourself rubbing your eyes, try using a cold compress or instilling artificial tears to soothe them.
Artificial tears can provide instant relief, especially if you’re experiencing dry eyes from allergy medication. The artificial tear brands trusted by our doctors include Optase, Refresh, Systane, and Blink. For over-the-counter allergy drops, our doctors recommend Pataday original or extra strength and Alaway. If these options don’t provide relief, our doctors can also prescribe prescription eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses during allergy season. Glasses create a barrier between your eyes and airborne allergens, and they can also help prevent irritants from getting trapped on your eyes. If you’re not a fan of wearing glasses, you might want to consider LASIK eye surgery as an alternative.
Preventing Allergies: Minimizing Exposure
While avoiding pollen entirely may not be feasible, you can minimize your exposure with a few simple strategies. Start by keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, usually in the early morning and late evening. Avoid using fans to bring in fresh air, as they can also pull in allergens from outside. If you need to be outside, wear sunglasses or regular glasses to protect your eyes from airborne pollen. Wearing a pollen mask can also be helpful if you’re working outdoors or among plants.
On windy days, it’s best to stay indoors, as wind can carry pollen long distances. When you come inside, be sure to change clothes and wash your hands and face to remove any pollen that may have clung to your skin.
Don’t let allergies hold you back from experiencing all that spring has to offer. With the right tools and strategies, you can see the beauty around you without the discomfort of seasonal allergies.
Wishing you a healthy and happy spring!
If you’ve been struggling with allergy symptoms this spring, don’t hesitate to reach out to the trusted doctors at VisionPoint Eye Center. Their team is here to provide guidance and help you manage your symptoms, so you can fully enjoy the season.
Your vision is an important part of your overall health. If you would like more information or to schedule a comprehensive eye health exam, contact VisionPoint Eye Center at (309)662-7700 or visit the website at www.visionpointeye.com. They are located at 1107 Airport Rd in Bloomington. Their ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians will be happy to see you.