Spring is Allergy Season
It’s allergy season. What can you do for those itchy, watery eyes?
It is easy to love spring as the color green makes a comeback and sunlight finally finds a way into our homes, but it can be hard to love a season full of allergies.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis, Missouri ranks in the top 50 places to avoid for seasonal allergies. The worst part? It ranked on the list for both spring and fall allergens.
Allergy symptoms often include a runny nose and sneezing, so most over-the-counter medications focus on the nose, and don’t reach those swollen, itchy, watery eyes. Even worse, some decongestant products give temporary relief, but will cause symptoms to return if you stop using them. This phenomenon is called rebound syndrome and is true for your eyes and your nose!
If you have eye irritation with your allergy symptoms, you should start by using the same over-the-counter medications you may already use for your other symptoms. This may include:
Since these medications work systemically (meaning throughout your body) they may reduce your eye irritation. Many of these medications may take away the itch but will cause dry eye. It can be helpful to use a lubricating tear drop. Talk to your Family Eye Care optometrist to learn more about which artificial tear product will work best for you! For a little extra relief, try sticking your artificial tears in the refrigerator.
Sometimes though, allergy medications aren’t enough. For immediate relief, use a cool compress on your eyes. Try keeping two compresses in your freezer so you always have one ready when you need it.
You can also use drops containing ketotifen. Check the labels, but these products are over-the-counter and usually say “eye itch relief” on the package. Ketotifen drops do not cause rebound symptoms and may be used throughout allergy season. If these drops fail to provide relief, there are other, stronger prescription drops that can help.
Generally speaking, sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Keep your windows closed and use the air conditioner in your car or home. Wear sunglasses to help reduce the amount of pollen that gets in your eye while you are out and about. Choose hardwood flooring and limit time with pets who cause symptoms. Clean bedding in hot water and wash frequently. If you have a specific allergy trigger, try to avoid it as best you can.
Above all else, don’t rub your eyes! This only adds to the irritation.
Ready to talk to someone about allergy options for your eye?
Family Eye Care is here to help!
Contributed by:
Amanda Ernst, MSN, RN, CEN
