Allergies are hugely annoying, especially if they cause eye discomfort. Allergies can cause dry, itchy, red and irritated eyes. All of these symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable if they are not addressed. Luckily, there are things that you can do to look after your eyes when you have allergies. Avoid rubbing your eyes, bathing your eyes regularly in cool water, avoiding contact lenses and using eye drops for allergies are all ways to look after your eyes when allergies hit.
Tips For Looking After Your Eyes When You Have An Eye Allergy
- Wear Sunglasses When Outdoors – If it’s hay fever that you are dealing with, make sure to wear sunglasses when you are outdoors. Sunglasses can offer a great deal of protection from pollen, with wraparound styles doing an especially good job of keeping pollen away from the eyes. Plus, sunglasses will also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Don’t Rub Your Eyes – When you are dealing with allergies, you may suffer with itchy eyes and the first thing you will want to do is rub them. However, avoid doing so if possible. Though it’s tempting, rubbing your eyes can make allergy symptoms worse. Rubbing your eyes may increase the itchiness and irritation experienced with allergies.
- Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses – Though you may favour contact lenses on a day-to-day basis, you should avoid wearing them when you have allergies. This is especially important if you suffer from hay fever and the pollen count is high, as contact lenses can cause the eyes to become even more irritated than normal. Instead, opt for glasses.
- Bathe Eyes In Cold Water – If your allergies are causing your eyes to become itchy, red or irritated you should bathe them regularly in cold water. This is easiest to do with a cold compress and provides instant relief.
- Over-The-Counter Allergy Medication – Anti-allergy eye drops have been designed to provide relief to itchy, irritated and dry eyes caused by allergies. They work by washing allergens out of your eyes. They can provide a great deal of relief when used correctly. Remember, check before using eye drops with contact lenses. Try Boots option Anti-Allergy Eye Drops.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet – Proper hydration and a balanced diet can help boost your immune system and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, may also help reduce inflammation associated with allergies.
- Wash Bedding & Clothing Regularly – Wash your bedding, including sheets and pillowcases, in hot water weekly to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Make sure your bedding is completely dry before using it again. It is also recommended that you regularly wash your clothing, particularly your outdoor clothing, to ensure you are reducing your contact with allergens.
- Prescription Medications – For severe allergy symptoms that don’t respond well to over-the-counter remedies, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications. These can include stronger antihistamine eye drops and should be used only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In addition to these methods, it’s essential to maintain good eye hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can exacerbate irritation. If your eye allergy symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, consult an eye specialist or allergist for further evaluation and treatment options. They can help identify the specific allergens triggering your symptoms and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
At Reynolds Opticians, we understand how bothersome allergies can be and the impact they can have on eyes. To ensure your eyes are otherwise healthy, book yourself in for an eye exam.
Ensure your eyes are protected on a daily basis, shop our range of high-quality sunglasses today.
