Soothe Seasonal Eye Allergies with These Home Remedies

While most people are getting excited about enjoying more time outside, over 66 million people in the US are dreading the eye allergies they experience this time of year. If you are one of the many people who have sensitive eyes, the pursuit of relief from common allergy symptoms can seem endless. If you are one of the many who suffer from seasonal eye allergies, check out these simple remedies to soothe even your worst symptoms.

Symptoms of Common Eye Allergies:

• Itchiness 
• Dryness 
• Watery Eyes 
• Slight eyelid swelling

What Causes Seasonal Eye Allergies?

An eye allergy is an adverse immune response that you experience after coming in contact with an irritating material. The material that causes the response is the allergen, and the symptoms you experience is your body trying to protect you from it.

An eye allergy can be triggered by many different environmental factors. Many of these triggers can be made worse during the spring and summer months.

Common Eye Allergens and Irritants:

• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust
• Air pollution

Home Remedies for Eye Allergies

Luckily, many allergy symptoms are temporary and can be eliminated if you avoid contact with the allergens that irritate your eyes. If you do come in contact with something that causes a mild reaction, try these simple tricks at home to encourage fast relief from your eye allergy symptoms:

Apply a Cold Compress to Your Eyes

A cold compress can help alleviate minor swelling, itchiness, and general discomfort. Take a soft cloth and run it under cold water. Ring the cloth out so it is slightly damp, and lay down with it over your eyes.

Use Eye Drops for Allergy Relief

Over the counter eye drops can be purchased at any drug store and most supermarkets. With just a few drops you can eliminate redness, itchiness, dryness, and flush out any possible irritants.

Wear Eyeglasses Outside

Wearing sunglasses — or any sort of eyeglasses — outside can help protect your eyes. They will act as a barrier between the pollen or other irritants in the air and your eyes.

Minimize Irritants in Your Home

Investing in an air purifier can help eliminate potential allergens from lingering in your home and causing a reaction. Make sure to regularly change the filter to ensure the air in your home remains clear of irritants. 

It is also a good idea to keep your windows closed as much as possible, regularly wash your bedding, vacuum your floors, and dust around your home. This helps eliminate any potential allergens like dust mites, pollen, and dander from becoming a problem inside your house.

Avoid Contact Lenses if Your Eyes are Irritated

If you are experiencing an allergic reaction or eye irritation, it is best to avoid wearing contact lenses until your symptoms have subsided. If you rely on corrective eyewear to see clearly and are experiencing eye allergies, choose to wear eyeglasses instead of lenses. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, your eyes could swell and trap your contacts, leading to a much more serious problem.

When to Contact an Eye Doctor

In most cases, mild reaction or eye allergies don’t last very long, and can be treated at home. In some more severe cases, if your symptoms do not subside or get worse, you should be seen by your Ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Signs of Severe Eye Allergies and Reactions

• Severe pain, discomfort, or itchiness 
• Blurred vision
• Vision loss
• Increased redness or discharge
• Swelling to the eye or eyelids 

Contact NeoVision Eye Center for Expert Eye Care and Allergy Relief

If you are struggling with common eye allergies or are experiencing prolonged or severe symptoms you should visit our Ophthalmologists at NeoVision Eye Center. There are a number of reasons you could be experiencing eye irritation or allergic reaction and only through a thorough eye exam can we determine the best way to treat your symptoms. 

Take the first step toward relieving your eye allergies and schedule an eye exam at NeoVision Eye Center today!