How to Alleviate Spring Eye Allergies

April showers bring May flowers, and potentially, springtime eye allergies. In the spring, the tree and flower pollen fill the air causing symptoms like congestion, sniffling, sneezing, and irritated eyes. Allergens like pollen, spores, and dust can get into your eyes or stick to your contact lenses causing red, itchy, or watery eyes. If you suspect that seasonal allergies are the cause of your eye irritation, read on for tips on how to alleviate them.

1. Consider Eye Drops to Keep Eyes Moist

Prescription eye drops or a sterile saline solution can sooth irritated and dry eye by lubricating your eyes and flushing out airborne allergens.

2. Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes

Pollen and other allergens travel through the air and collect on your clothes, skin, hair, and eyes. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes (even if they’re itchy) to minimize irritation. Wash your hands frequently to keep your skin as clean and allergen-free as possible.

3. Clean Your Contacts Regularly

Follow the recommended cleaning regimen of your contact lenses to ensure they’re cleaned consistently using proper solution to remove any debris from the lenses and replaced when needed. Check out this contact lens cleaning guide for more information on best cleaning practices for contact lens wearers.

4. Try Daily Disposable Contacts

Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then replaced the following day to optimize all-day comfort. By replacing your lenses with a new, clean pair each day, you minimize the risk of attracting allergens and bacteria build up. Talk to your optometrist to see if dailies such as 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST, Biotrue ONEday, or PRECISION1, are a good option for you.

5. Wear Eyeglasses Temporarily

If you are primarily a contact lens wearer, consider giving your eyes a break from contacts and opt instead to wear your glasses temporarily to allow irritation to subside.

6. Spring Clean Your Home

Spring cleaning your home can help reduce indoor allergens like pet dander and mildew that may be bothering your eyes. Replace your HVAC and vacuum filters and be mindful to use cleaning products with minimal synthetic chemicals to reduce the chance of further irritation.

Your eye doctor can help you figure out the best way to combat symptoms of springtime allergies or even rule out possible conditions that may not be related to allergies. Schedule your annual eye exam to ensure your vision remains healthy through every season.