#208: Help for Eye Allergies
Spring brings a burst of colors and fragrances, but for many, it also marks the onset of ocular allergy symptoms. Itchy, watery eyes and incessant sneezing can make enjoying the season a challenge. However, with a few proactive steps, you can alleviate these symptoms and embrace the beauty of spring with clarity and comfort.
How do you know if it's an allergy?
There are a couple of symptoms that are the same between dry eyes and allergies so it can be hard to distinguish between the two problems. However, timing seems to play a big part in ocular allergies. If you suddenly notice the symptoms below, it's most likely to be allergy.
- redness
- watering
- Itching - this is the hallmark sign of allergy
- Eyelid swelling
- Mucus or stringy discharge
- Topical antihistamine eye drops improve symptoms in minutes
Do you want to learn more about pollen allergies? Check out this guest blog here.
Best Allergy Prevention Techniques
Minimizing exposure to allergens is key. Follow these steps to reduce the allergens surrounding you and your environment:
- Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from drifting indoors
- Use air conditioning with a HEPA filter to trap airborne allergens
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen and allergens
- Change out your contact lenses daily (more contact lens tips here)
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your face or eyes
Remove your outer clothing when returning from the outdoors to reduce pollen in home. You may also want to consider changing clothes before you enter your home like in the mud room, laundry room or garage. This can reduce the spread of allergens throughout the home. Additionally, washing your hair and body before bed and keep these allergens from surrounding you while you sleep.
How do I Soothe Allergy Eyes?
Good eye hygiene can provide relief from allergies. If your not following the 4-simple steps of daily eye care, now is a great time to start. Learn more about the essentials of daily eye care here.
Cold Compresses: Switch out using a warm compress or a cold one during allergy season. Applying cold compresses to the eyes can help reduce itching, swelling, and redness. A cold compress can effectively reduce eye allergy symptoms through several mechanisms:
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Reduces Inflammation: Cold temperatures help constrict blood vessels, which can reduce inflammation and swelling around the eyes caused by the body's immune response to allergens. This can alleviate symptoms such as redness, puffiness, and irritation.
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Relieves Itching: Cold compresses can provide temporary relief from itching by numbing the nerve endings in the skin around the eyes. This can help interrupt the itch-scratch cycle, providing relief without the need for scratching, which can worsen inflammation and irritation.
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Soothes Irritation: The cooling effect of a cold compress can soothe irritated eyes, providing immediate relief from discomfort and helping to calm the sensation of burning or stinging associated with eye allergies.
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Constricts Blood Vessels: Cold compresses can constrict the blood vessels around the eyes, reducing the flow of blood to the area. This can help decrease the permeability of blood vessels and reduce the leakage of inflammatory substances into the surrounding tissues, further reducing swelling and irritation.
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Stimulates Tear Production: In some cases, cold compresses can stimulate tear production, which helps lubricate and hydrate the eyes. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing dryness or irritation due to allergies.
To use a cold compress for eye allergy relief, simply place a clean cloth soaked in cold water over closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Alternatively, you can use a gel-filled eye mask that has been chilled in the refrigerator. Be sure to avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
Add an OTC Allergy Eye Drop:
Using an allergy eye drop is an effective way to reduce ocular allergy symptoms. There are several good antihistamine eye drops on the market that you can pick up with or without a prescription. Check them out in this blog.
However, if you are looking for a natural remedy, try OPTASE® ALLEGRO Eye Drops for a fast-acting relief of allergy related eye symptoms. Optase Allegro contains ectoin, which is a natural, multi-functional amino acid derivative with strong water-binding properties. It's known for its ability to form a protective layer on the surface of the eyes and offers a several benefits including hydration, moisturization, and protection.
In the context of eye allergies, ectoin can help alleviate symptoms by providing a protective barrier on the surface of the eye. Ectoin forms a soothing film over the irritated ocular surface, helping to stabilize the tears, reduces evaporation, and prevents allergens from coming into direct contact with the eye.
Optase Allegro offers a natural and effective option for managing eye allergies by providing hydration, protection, and relief from symptoms.
CONCLUSION:
Consulting an allergist or your eye care professional for personalized treatment options can also be beneficial in managing severe or persistent ocular allergy symptoms. By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the spring season with clearer vision and greater comfort.
Taking a few steps can bring you the relief you need for your ocular allergies:
- Avoid allergy symptoms by reducing your exposure to pollen
- Continue following your essential eye care routine
- Switch out the warm compress for a cool one during this season
- Add an OTC allergy drop for fast and effective relief of your symptoms
Disclaimer:
This blog is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace advice from an eye care professional. If you make a purchase from any of the links in this email or others I send, I may receive an affiliate commission. However, I only mention products I love and would recommend whether I am being compensated or not.
