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Health & Fitness

Keeping an "Eye" on Seasonal Allergies

For people suffering from seasonal eye allergies, Dr. Lickteig discusses ways to keep your eyes more comfortable this time of year.

Although we are now halfway through spring, I'm sure the 50 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies cannot wait for the season to be over.  For people with spring allergies, this time of the year not only brings warmer weather but also sneezing, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes.

Eye allergies, also called "allergic conjunctivis," are a reaction from an allergen (pollen, dust mites, mold, etc) that gets in the inner eyelid, causing the tissue there to become inflammed.  This inflammation is what causes eyes to feel itchy and watery.  The best way to prevent these symptoms from occuring is to avoid the allergen at all costs.  That can be almost impossible to achieve this time of the year.  However, these recommendations from the American Optometric Association can help curtail the symptoms of eye allergies.

  • Avoid touching/rubbing your eyes
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often
  • Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent
  • Avoid sharing eye make-up, and in some cases stop wearing it all together
  • NEVER share your contact lenses or contact lens case with someone else

Contact lens wearers are often hit hard by allergy symptoms.  Extending the wear of your contacts and/or infrequent lens replacement can often exacerbate eye discomfort related to seasonal allergies.  Reducing contact lens wear time, a more rigid cleaning system, or daily disposable contacts are ways you can keep this season more comfortable for your eyes.  Anti-allergy drops are also available over-the-counter and with a prescription, but I would recommend visiting your optometrist before using any medications. 

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