It’s that time of year again! Sneezing, sniffling, coughing, throat clearing, and eye watering! Can you believe we have to go through another season of allergies during this pandemic? For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this means even more judgmental stares and potentially awkward moments!
No worries, though. This year, learn why and how seasonal allergies affect your eyes so that you can be prepared with new tips on how to relieve your symptoms and stop the judgmental eyes of others.
For those with less sensitivity to the pollen being released from trees, grasses, weeds, and the flowers around us, we might exhibit a little sniffle or watery eyes. However, there are many of us whose body’s defenses go haywire!
The more severe responses to allergens can not only affect our breathing, but even cause pain in our eyes. When you have major reactions in your eye as the weather beings to warm up, there are some facts you need to know.
An overreaction in the eyes can be a sign of allergic conjunctivitis. Did you know there is something called the conjunctiva? Other than being a fun word to say, this is the membrane that covers your eye and eyelid.
When the conjunctiva is heavily affected by pollen or other allergens, it becomes overactive. This is your body’s immune system signaling that it does not like whatever has infiltrated the membrane and it is fighting to push it out.
Mold spores and pollen are the most likely culprits to trigger allergic conjunctivitis, which is why even the local meteorologist now includes a daily report on allergen levels! Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help alleviate the effects of these eye irritants.
The good news is that ocular allergies are in no way dangerous to your vision. Symptoms may be mistaken for pink eye, but your eyesight will eventually be just fine. Blurry vision and the itching, however, will tempt you to rub your eyes, which can lead to damage.
Common treatments include eye drops, decongestants, and antihistamines, but the best step in understanding and avoiding the effects of seasonal allergies on your eyes is to make an appointment with an eye doctor. Call Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or visit us online to book your appointment today.
