Does Spring Make Your Eyes Itch?

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the blooming of flowers and the lure of the outdoors. It’s a wonderful time of year, unless of course you suffer from seasonal allergies that can leave your eyes itchy and uncomfortable. But our optometrist at Dr. Shannon Chandler & Associates has some helpful suggestions that will make this season more enjoyable for you and your eyes!

• Maintain moisture: Don’t wait for your eyes to become dry and irritated! Use artificial tears to lubricate and soothe those eyes, says the American Optometric Association. Look for preservative-free options if your eyes are frequently irritated. 

• Avoid those allergens: On the days when pollen counts are especially high, consider staying indoors and keeping the windows closed. When you are outdoors, wearing a hat and sunglasses form a barrier against airborne allergens.

• Go contactless: Because contact lenses can trap allergens, switch to glasses during peak allergy season or else consider using daily disposable lenses that are discarded each night

• Clean routine: Washing your hands frequently removes pollen and other allergens before they can wind up in your eyes. Gently cleaning your eyelids with a hypoallergenic cleanser helps remove accumulated grit and allergens.

• Hands down: Rubbing those itchy eyes will make your symptoms worse, so resist the temptation. A cool compress on closed eyelids is a far better solution. 

• Visit your optometrist: If these remedies are not helping or if your symptoms are severe, please contact our office today. We’ll get to the bottom of what’s causing the irritation, perhaps prescribe allergy medications such as eye drops or oral medication, and offer additional recommendations for staying comfortable during allergy season.

A comprehensive eye examination with our optometrist at Dr. Shannon Chandler & Associates covers all aspects concerning the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. We have the latest diagnostic equipment and a full selection of high quality eyewear to satisfy every taste and budget. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!