Spring is Eye Allergy Season

If you are experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes you may be suffering from pollen-induced eye allergies. For some, March is the start of eye allergy season, which means uncomfortable symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, stinging, burning and watery eyes. Seasonal eye allergies are caused by an influx of pollen from trees and flowers into the air and can greatly inhibit everyday functioning for those that suffer from them.

What can you do to defend your eyes during pollen season? Well the most obvious answer would be to limit contact with pollen by remaining inside, especially when the pollen count is high. Keeping windows shut, cooling off with air conditioners and wearing full-coverage shades when going outside may also help to limit contact with irritants in the atmosphere. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can be used filter irritants from the air when you are inside.

However, for those of us that must go outside, there are medications that can treat symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes or itchy eyes. It's possible that a simple eye drop is sufficient to soothe and alleviate itchy eyes or red eyes and cleanse the eye of irritants. Medicines with antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers will allay redness and swelling of the eyes as well as non-eye related symptoms such as stuffed or runny nose and sneezing. Drops often work better than pills or liquid medications to alleviate eye problems.

About 20% of the U.S. population, or 54 million people suffer from allergies, nearly half of which are allergic eye disease. Eye allergies often run in families and result from an over-sensitivity to an irritant that has entered the eye regardless of whether is it harmful. The eye releases histamines and other immune mediators which cause excessive tears, itching, burning, redness and irritation.

When your eyes are irritated, don't rub them. This can just increase the irritation. Because some of the effective medications do need a prescription, if over-the-counter solutions do not help, schedule a visit with your eye doctor.

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