A Guide to Coping with Seasonal Eye Allergies
As we bid the colder days goodbye and enter the warmer weather, we witness frequent winds and sudden temperature drops which usually mean the height of seasonal allergies. For many people, these bouts of dust can cause a range of uncomfortable seasonal allergy symptoms including sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. While these symptoms may be mild for some, for others, they can be severe and affect their daily lives.
In this blog, we will delve deeper into seasonal eye allergies and explore ways to manage and reduce their symptoms. Read on to learn more about common eye allergies and how to deal with them.
Discover the seasonal triggers that can cause eye allergies
Seasonal eye allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to allergens in the air, such as dust, sand, and pollen, or in some cases, mold, dust mites, or pet dander. These allergens can trigger the release of histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation, itchy eyes, and redness.
Also, some airborne irritants such as smoke and pollution particles can cause eye irritation and reduce the symptoms of eye allergic reactions.
Learn about the symptoms of seasonal eye allergies
The symptoms of eye allergies can vary in severity from one person to another, but some common signs include:
- Redness and inflammation in the eyes
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Swollen eyelids
- Eye irritation
How to Cope with Seasonal Eye Allergies
While seasonal allergies can be bothersome, there are ways to manage and reduce their symptoms. Here are a few tips to help alleviate eye allergy symptoms:
- Avoid Allergens: Try to limit your exposure to allergens that trigger your eye allergies. Stay indoors when it is very windy or dusty outside, and keep your windows closed to prevent dust from entering your home.
- Use Eye Drops: As one of the most effective eye allergy treatments, eye drops can help reduce itching, redness, and inflammation in the eyes. Keep hydrating eye drops at hand, or go for drops that contain antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers if advised by your doctor.
- Apply Cold Compresses: A simple cold compress using a damp cloth or cotton disk can ease your allergy symptoms and reduce eye puffiness, runny nose and congestion in the sinuses or nasal passages.
- Use an Air Filter: Residents of the Gulf are familiar with air filters and air purifiers, especially when sandy weather kicks in. These easy-to-use machines ensure the air quality indoors is healthy and low in particles that cause allergy and respiratory irritation. Invest in a good filter or purifier to keep your indoor air quality in check when it is windy outside, or more importantly, during a sandstorm.
- Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses: While contact lenses may be a convenient and popular option for vision correction, wearing them during allergy season can exacerbate these symptoms and make them worse. Contact lenses can trap allergens like pollen and dust against the eye, leading to irritation and discomfort. Additionally, rubbing itchy eyes can cause the lenses to shift or become dislodged, further aggravating the situation. To avoid these issues, MAGRABi recommends switching to eyeglasses during allergy season. Our experienced optometrists are always available to discuss with you other options that you may consider like using daily disposable contact lenses.
- Wear Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses can be an effective way to protect the eyes from seasonal allergens like pollen and dust. Opting for wraparound or wide designs to cover the eyes from all angles can help to block out allergens that might otherwise irritate the eyes and trigger allergy symptoms. Check out Smith Spinner unisex wraparound sunglasses, 100% Speedcoupe sunglasses or Oakley sunglasses and many more, available at MAGRABi.
- Choose Transition Lenses: Individuals who experience increased sensitivity to light during allergy seasons are advised to consider Transition Lenses, which darken when exposed to sunlight to protect the eyes, and turn to transparent when indoors or in low light conditions. This option can be especially helpful for people who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments during allergy season. We recommend trying out Giorgio Armani’s sunglasses with photochromic lenses, available at MAGRABi.
Our experienced optometrists are always there to assist you at any MAGRABi branch. However, if your eye allergies are severe or persist despite management, we recommend that you consult an eye doctor to prescribe the proper medication to help manage your symptoms.
Live Comfortably No Matter the Season!
Don’t let seasonal eye allergies keep you from carrying on with your day-to-day routine and activities. With the right eye care and management, you can keep your eyes healthy and enjoy all the beauty that the season has to offer.
