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May 2016 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
Quick Tips for Treating
Eye Allergies
Eye drops, compresses, disposable
contacts can ease red, itchy eyes
By Harleena Singh, Staff Writer
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergies,
affect nearly one in five Americans.
Harmless substances that cause problems for individuals who are predisposed to allergic reactions are called
allergens.
The most common airborne
allergens that cause eye allergies are
mold, pollen, dust and pet dander.
Eye allergies can also be caused by
reactions to certain eye drops or
cosmetics, including artificial tears
used for treating dry eyes that contain
preservatives.
Here are some quick tips that can
help in treating eye allergies:
Limit your exposure to common
allergens you are sensitive to.
For example, when the pollen count
is high, stay indoors and use the air
conditioner to filter the air. If you go
outdoors during the allergy season,
wear sunglasses to shield your eyes
from ragweed and pollen and drive
with your windows closed.
• Use over-the-counter eye drops.
Many brands of non-prescription eye
drops available today are formulated
to relieve the redness, itchiness and
watery eyes caused by allergies. These
can be used if your eye allergy symptoms are mild. Stronger medicines
such as antihistamines, decongestants,
The most common
airborne allergens that
cause eye allergies are
mold, pollen, dust and
pet dander.
mast cell stabilizers, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and
immunotherapy can be used if your
symptoms are severe. Consult your
doctor before trying any of these.
Remove your contacts.
The surfaces of contact lenses
can attract and accumulate airborne
allergens, so consider wearing only
eyeglasses during the allergy season.
Or you can switch to daily disposable contacts to avoid the build-up
of allergens and other debris on your
lenses.
Limit your exposure to
dust mites.
Encase your pillows in allergenimpermeable covers. Wash bedding
often, and if your mattress is more
than a few years old, consider getting
a new one, since old ones are often
teeming with allergens.
Close the windows.
This invites millions of microscopic allergens into your home, and itchy,
red eyes will soon follow. Running
the air conditioner and changing the
air filter regularly will keep the air in
the room fresh and clean and spare
your eyes from allergic distress.
Wash your face and
hands often.
This is the first thing you should
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do to combat itchy, swollen, red eyes.
It can help wash away the allergens
sticking to your skin and eyelashes.
We touch our face and eyes absentmindedly and this easily transfers
allergens, which causes eye allergies
to flare up.
Rinse out your eyes.
Using a little water, this will loosen
the allergens from the inside of your
eyes and help flush them out.
Apply a cold compress
around your eyes.
Soak a towel or washcloth in cold
water. Lie down with the compress
across your eyes to let the coolness
reduce the itching and swelling.
Leave your eyes alone.
When your eyes are irritated, treat
them with care. Wash them with
warm water; don’t use soap or other
cleansing solutions. Avoid wearing
makeup. Try not to rub, scratch or
touch your eyes.
If you use these tips to deal with
eye allergies, you’re sure to have more
healthy eyes. Red, itchy, puffy and
burning eyes can also be caused by
infections and other conditions that
can threaten eyesight. If these symptoms don’t get better with medicines
or self-help strategies, consult a doctor.