Question: My allergies have been worse this year, and now my eyes are red and itching. What can I do?
Answer: This year has been a tough year for allergies, and part of living on the beautiful west coast is that allergy season starts earlier here than anywhere else in Canada. Luckily, there are many options for the treatment of allergies, and ocular allergies. The vast majority of people that experience seasonal allergies also experience ocular allergies. Some people may only experience allergies in their eyes. The first step is to visit your Optometrist to determine the cause of your symptoms, and many of them including redness and irritation can have multiple causes. Your Optometrist can ensure the proper cause so the right condition is being treated. Based on your examination and the severity of symptoms an appropriate management plan will be discussed. This may include different types of prescription drops, over the counter medications, or lifestyle changes. There are even contact lenses that can be worn that both treat your allergies, as well as correct for your prescription!
Although allergies are a part of life, there are many ways to make sure that you and your eyes are feeling the best they can.