Spring is coming fast, and while everyone enjoys the warmer weather and sense of new beginnings that this season brings, there’s one part of spring that’s a dreaded reality for many people: allergies. The pollen and dust particles released by many plants and trees during the spring season is a major irritant for many people, causing sneezing, itching, burning, and in some cases, eye problems. As your dedicated Ogden, UT ophthalmologist, we’re here to remind you how important it is to protect your eyes during allergy season – and here are a few ways you can do it.
Know Your Triggers
The first step to protecting your eyes is understanding what irritates them, so it’s important to pay attention to any allergic reactions you may have. Do you get red, itchy, watery eyes when you first step out the door? Is there a particular tree or plant that triggers allergies? Or do you still get them inside? Pet dander, mold, and household dust – in addition to trees, flowers, and plants – can all be allergens, so try to identify the source of your allergies.
Take Protective Measures
When it comes to taking care of your eyes prevention is the best medicine. That’s especially true with allergies. Take steps to protect your eyes from allergens entirely by wearing sunglasses when you go outside and taking an over-the-counter oral allergy medication. For even more protection, invest in a pair of wrap-around sunglasses that completely shield your eyes from the outside.
Know How to React
Finally, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of handling an allergic reaction. If your eyes start feeling puffy, itchy, watery, and red, resist the urge to rub them: this only releases more histamines and makes the reaction worse. Instead, carefully wash your eyes and eyelids to remove any allergens, and try artificial tears or allergy eye drops to further suppress the reaction. If you need prescription-strength eye drops, your Ogden eye doctor can help you get them.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Ogden, UT Ophthalmologists
Allergies are a fact of life for many people, but by taking the proper steps, you can minimize their impact and protect your eyes. If you’d like extra help managing the effects of allergies, feel free to request an appointment online to discuss your issues and possible solutions. We look forward to hearing from you, and we wish you a healthy, allergy-free spring season!
