Spring is a beautiful season! Lovely sunshine, butterflies and beautiful flowers are a sight to behold. But along with the flowers, comes pollen which causes annoying eye allergies!

What are seasonal allergies?

Allergies are of different types. Some are present all round the year while some the other more common type of allergy occurs only during spring season. This is due to increased exposure to pollen during this season.

What are the signs of seasonal eye allergies?

If you have these 5 symptoms, you could be suffering from a seasonal allergy.

1. Itchy Eyes

Itching is the most prominent symptom of eye allergies. Most patients experience itching in their eyes as soon as the spring season starts.

You must keep in mind that you shouldn’t rub your itchy eyes! Rubbing will worsen the irritation. Instead place a clean piece of cotton soaked in cool water over your closed eyelids. Not only will it relieve the itching, but will also help relax your eyes.

2. Redness

Allergic conditions of the eyes often present with a mild redness of your eyes. Sometimes a stringy discharge may be present.

3. Watering

Your eyes will get red, itchy and there will also be constant watering from your eyes. Sometimes there could be a slight excoriation on the eyelid skin due to constant watering.

4. Sensitivity to light

Since your eyes are already irritated due to allergy, the light falling on your eyes tends to aggravate the symptoms. Some people experience sensitivity to bright light, inability to open eyes and may also experience increased irritation and watering from the eyes on exposure to bright light.

5. Eyelid swelling

You may experience mild redness and swelling on your eyelids due to eye allergies. This often worsens as people suffering from eye allergies have a tendency to rub their eyes due to constant itching. That is why it is important to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. 

Sometimes eye allergies occur along with an allergic condition of the skin known as eczema. People suffering from eczema have dry, itchy skin that keeps peeling off. To know whether you have eczema and for it’s treatment, you need to visit a dermatologist.

6. Runny nose

Allergies usually affect both eyes and nose, so you may also experience runny nose and sneezing along with the symptoms of eye allergies such as itching, watering and redness.

Apart from pollen, what else can trigger allergies?

Allergies can be cause due to

1. Household dust
2. Pollen from flowers and grass
3. Mold Spores
4. Animal hair and dander
5. Chemical such as household detergents and perfumes
6. Certain Medications

Out of these, the first two causes usually lead to seasonal eye allergies. The other causes may cause allergic symptoms all year round, known as “perennial allergies”.

What is the treatment for eye allergies?

Let me discuss some home remedies that you can try.

1. Avoid the allergen

I know this isn’t entirely possible, since dust and pollen are often suspended in the air. However you can still avoid triggers such as pollen by staying indoors and keeping your windows closed. You could also run air conditioners as they reduce the dust levels in room air. Sunglasses can help keep the allergens out of your eyes whenever you go outside.

There are certain indoor triggers as well such as housedust, mites and pet dander. Keep your house clean and dust free. Mop your floors with a disinfectant. Avoid sweeping as it stirs up allergens. Wash your pillowcases and bed sheets with warm water to get rid of dust. Get pest control done for the mites. Look for molds growing in damp areas of your house and get rid of them as soon as you can.

Avoid pets if you are allergic to animal dander. If you are known to be allergic to a particular substance, such as a perfume or a particular medication, make sure to avoid it as much as possible. Always remember to use hypoallergenic eye makeup.

2. Keep your hands off!

It is tough to keep your hands off itchy eyes as you constantly get an urge to rub your eyes. But touching your eyes will not only worsen the symptoms, but can also cause various infections of the eyes due to contaminated fingertips. Also remember to wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Maintain hygiene

A splash of cool water in your eyes can help wash out the allergens and the debris. Cool water soothes your eyes and relieves itching. That also ensures that your eyes remain clean, thus lowering your chances of developing an infection.

Some people suffer from a condition known as “blepharitis” that is a dandruff-like collection on the eye lashes. These dandruff-like particles may cause irritation, itching and watering from your eyes. If you notice dandruff-like particles on your eyelashes, you can clean them with a cotton bud dipped in a bowl of dilute baby shampoo. Make sure you clean your eyelids at least once a day.

4. Cool your eyes

People suffering from allergies often have red irritated and swollen eyes. A simple remedy to this is to place a cotton wad dipped in cool water over closed eyelids. Alternatively you could also place cucumber slices or tea bags over closed eyelids. The antioxidants in tea will help to relax and detox your eyes along with a soothing effect. Just place it on your your eyes for 15-20 minutes and relax. Your eyes will definitely feel better after the much needed relaxation.

5. Visit your doctor

If your symptoms persist, do visit your doctor. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes and prescribe some anti-allergic eye drops and maybe some mild steroids if needed. Your doctor might prescribe some oral anti-allergic pills as well.

Remember, NEVER self medicate. The wrong remedy can do more harm than the disease.

I hope I have helped you understand seasonal eye allergies and their simple remedies through today’s blog. 

Now you can enjoy the beautiful spring season without having to worry about eye allergies!

If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below or email me at neha.pednekar1489@gmail.com

I’ll see you soon in my next blog, till then take good care of your eyes and stay healthy!