Spring means warmer and longer days, and that summer is right around the corner. As exciting as that may be, it also means that spring allergies are on their way. If you suffer from seasonal allergies every spring, you understand how uncomfortable and frustrating they can be. If you already have dry eye syndrome, these allergy symptoms can be made even worse. Here’s a quick rundown of how spring allergies can affect your eyes and what you can do about it!
What Happens to Your Eyes During Spring?
During the spring season, pollen levels shoot up and wreak havoc on your respiratory system. But that’s not the only part of your body affected by pollen. Pollen and your eyes are not friends either!
Pollen and other allergens easily enter your eye, causing irritation and a host of other symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, this problem can be hard to avoid. Pollen can easily get stuck under lenses and make it hard to remove by flushing out.
Ever noticed that your eyes are much itchier, dry, and red in the springtime? If so, chances are you’re suffering from the all-too-common seasonal dry eye syndrome.
Allergy-Related Dry Eye Syndrome
Allergens in the air can easily trigger dry eye symptoms, even in people who normally do not have an issue with dry eyes. For those who have dry eyes the rest of the year, spring allergies can make them much worse.
Common symptoms of seasonal eye allergies include:
- Excessive watering
- Dryness
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Dark circles around eyes
- Puffiness around eyes
- Burning or stinging
These symptoms are certainly annoying, but are not usually harmful. Just try not to rub your eyes too much – this can actually get more pollen into the eyes (if it is on your hands) and it isn’t good to put pressure on your cornea.
Relieving Spring Eye Allergies
You probably already know that there are many over-the-counter treatment options available to treat seasonal eye allergies. Pick up some drops and keep them with you wherever you go – you never know when you’ll need them. Doing your best to stay away from allergens can also help, but that may mean spending less time outside.
If your seasonal allergies create significant problems even with the use of over-the-counter medications, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Schedule a consultation with Loden Vision to see how we can help you with seasonal allergies.
