Tis the season…allergy season! Eye allergies affect one in five Americans. Seasonal allergies happen during certain times of the year when usually spring and fall, when exposure to pollen from grasses, trees, weeds, and mold spores increases.
Seasonal eye allergy symptoms include red, itchy, burning eyes, over-tearing, or even swollen, puffy eyelids. You can limit your exposure to allergens and stave symptoms by staying indoors and using your air conditioner while driving instead of rolling down your car windows. Wearing large sunglasses can block some degree of pollen that could potentially get near your eyes too. Do not rub your eyes, that will make your symptoms worse.
Saline eye rinses and lubricants soothe allergy-irritated eyes and help flush out the allergens. Oral antihistamines can help as well. Refrigerating eye drops may help them provide additional relief of allergy symptoms.
Red, itchy, burning, and puffy eyes can be caused by infections and other conditions that could potentially threaten your vision. If your symptoms persist after you’ve already tried drops and antihistamines, visit your eye doctor to make sure it isn’t anything more serious.
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