Now that spring is here, trees, flowers, and grasses are in full bloom. But with all that new plant growth comes plenty of pollen, which can travel on the wind and irritate your eyes.
If you dread this time of year due to symptoms like dry eyes, redness, and irritation, you aren’t alone. About 22 million Americans report seasonal eye allergies, but you don’t have to suffer.
At Eye Surgeons Associates, which serves patients in Canton, Livonia, and Monroe, Michigan, our team of ophthalmologists specializes in managing allergy-related symptoms. In this blog, they highlight how allergies affect the eyes, share simple at-home tips for relief, and explain when to seek professional help.
Seasonal eye allergies occur when harmless substances, such as pollen or mold spores, come in contact with your eyes either due to direct contact or from being carried on the wind. If you have allergies, your immune system equates these with microscopic organisms, like viruses and bacteria, triggering an immune response that causes inflammation.
Eye inflammation can trigger various symptoms, including:
It’s natural to rub your eyes if any of these issues arise, but this can make your symptoms even worse, creating a vicious seasonal cycle.
Beyond itching and dryness, the allergy-induced inflammatory response affects your eyes’ ability to produce tears. In addition, any tears that they do produce often evaporate quickly and don’t provide adequate lubrication.
If you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, you may notice more frequent flare-ups during this time of year. Because spending time outdoors can expose you to wind or pollen, both of which can cause further irritation, it’s no wonder so many people experience worsening symptoms come spring.
Most cases of allergy-induced dry eyes respond well to home treatment. These tips can help:
Pollen counts are typically worst in the morning, between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Try to avoid going outside during this time. If you have to go outside, protect your eyes by wearing glasses or sunglasses, which can help prevent direct exposure.
Similarly, keep your windows closed in the mornings, especially if it’s windy or breezy. If that’s not an option or you prefer fresh air, run an air purifier with a HEPA filter, as it can block up to 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger.
Allergens can disrupt your tear film and affect tear quality. If you notice your eyes feeling especially dry, use over-the-counter eye drops throughout the day to support proper lubrication. This won’t necessarily fix the problem, but it can reduce itching, irritation, and dryness.
If your eyes are red and puffy, a cold compress may help. Simply run a washcloth under cold water, wring it out, and then place it over your eyes. This practice constricts blood vessels and may help reduce the release of histamine, lowering inflammation, redness, and puffiness.
Looking at electronic screens may not seem very strenuous, but it’s one of the leading causes of dry eyes. If you have to work on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, practicing the 20-20-20 rule can help.
Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. Getting into this habit causes you to blink more, which can help lubricate your eyes and take the edge off allergy-related irritation.
Sometimes, at-home treatment isn’t enough to relieve allergy-related dry eyes. Contact us if your symptoms persist or worsen despite following our at-home tips. This is especially true if you wear contacts and can no longer comfortably keep them in. It also applies if you experience vision changes or ongoing discomfort.
After reviewing your health history, discussing your symptoms, and completing a comprehensive eye exam, we can make personalized treatment recommendations. Depending on your needs, we may suggest:
Many people benefit from several of these treatments. However, it may take some trial and error at first to determine the best approach. Follow our instructions and attend each of your scheduled checkups to ensure ongoing relief.
If you’re struggling with seasonal dry eye symptoms, call your nearest Eye Surgeons Associates office to schedule an appointment. After an exam, we can determine the best treatment approach for your needs, supporting your vision and comfort.
