Question: Am I just imagining it or are my environmental allergies getting worse every Spring? What can I do to alleviate the itchiness and redness in my eyes?
Answer: Many of us appreciate that we live in a beautiful climate where Spring arrives earlier than anywhere else in Canada, with an explosion of flowers blooming and grass growing. Unfortunately this can be a yearly nightmare for those that suffer from pollen and grass allergies, and with climate change the allergen levels seem to start earlier and get more intense every year. Cells called mast cells release histamine and other chemicals that can cause inflammation in the eyes and surrounding tissues of individuals who experience this uncomfortable immune response.
What can we do about seasonal allergies when we can’t completely eliminate our exposure? Before you pack up and move to the high desert the first thing you should do is book an appointment with your optometrist to ensure that yourred and itchy eyes are not being caused by something else. If the cause of your symptoms is found to be seasonal allergies you and your doctor can come up with a treatment plan aimed at giving you some relief from the itching, watering and redness. Those treatments may include using prescription or over-the countermedicationssuchas eyedropsorother antihistamines, fitting you with close-fitting sunglasses to provide a physical barrier between you and airborne allergens, or introducing lifestyle changes such as keeping a close eye on pollen counts so you can stay indoors with the windows closed and an air purifier on when the numbers are at their highest. Windy and warm days or mornings after a rainfall tend to be when pollen counts surge. Lastly, as tempting as it is, don’t rub your eyes! It only makes your mast cells release even more histamines, exacerbating the problem.
At Mayfair Optometric Clinic we provide a welcoming environment for patients to receive eye exams and pick out the perfect eyewear that works for each individual.
Please give us a call to book your appointment with Dr. Peddle or myself
