How to protect your eyes during allergy season

Elmquist Eye Group shares helpful tips for managing eye allergy symptoms

Summertime is here and more Floridians are heading outside to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. People are also dining and socializing outdoors more often due to the risk of COVID-19. But for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, spending time outdoors also means coping with bothersome symptoms.

Allergic conjunctivitis, known commonly as an eye allergy, occurs when the conjunctiva – the mucous membrane covering and protecting the eye – becomes inflamed.

“When irritating particles like pollen land on the conjunctiva, it triggers a release of histamines from mast cells in the eyes, causing an allergic reaction,” said Dr. Kate Wagner, board-certified optometrist and managing partner at Elmquist Eye Group. “Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include itching, watering and discharge, redness, eyelid swelling and a gritty sensation in the eyes.”

These symptoms can occur in conjunction with those of allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy nose, mouth or throat, and headaches from sinus congestion.

While pollen is one of the most common allergens, indoor allergens can also become more irritating this time of year. Mold grows in warm, moist conditions, and household pets may be shedding more hair as temperatures rise. Allergic reactions may also occur in response to perfume, cosmetics and certain drugs.

“These conditions can make allergies seem inescapable – and when they impact your vision, they can go from troublesome to dangerous,” Wagner adds.

Luckily, there are several ways to manage an eye allergy:
1. Keep an eye on the weather
If you can, avoid going outside when the pollen count is high; you can check the pollen index every day through the Weather Channel or your local news. You can also monitor potential allergens for your geographic area through the National Allergy Bureau, which is a section of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

However, if being outdoors is inevitable, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes.

2. Refresh and cool your eyes
One of the quickest ways to relieve irritation from an eye allergy is to apply a cold compress. A cold, wet towel or ice pack placed over closed eyes can significantly relieve itching and swelling. Also, applying refrigerated artificial tears can be soothing. Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes, which will only further worsen your symptoms.

3. Switch your lenses
For contact lens-wearers, allergens can easily build up on lenses and cause eye irritation. While cleaning your contacts frequently can help, replacing your lenses more often or switching to daily disposable contacts may help alleviate discomfort. Daily disposable contacts allow you to wear a fresh set of contact lenses that is free of allergens. If irritation persists, temporarily switching to eyeglasses in place of contact lenses may offer greater comfort for allergy sufferers.

4. Over-the-counter medications
There are myriad over-the-counter treatments available for allergic conjunctivitis. Ocular antihistamines and artificial tears can provide eye relief, while oral antihistamines will treat allergic reactions throughout the body. However, it’s important to seek these treatments in moderation. Matching the correct medication for each patient requires a comprehensive eye evaluation. Your eye doctor can help you choose an over-the-counter medication that works for your body and lifestyle, and can also help determine when a stronger medication is needed.

5. Consult your eye doctor
If your symptoms persist, your eye care professional may prescribe you a stronger medication. These include multiple types of eye drops – antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or for severe cases, corticosteroids – and non-drowsy oral antihistamines. Seeking assistance from an allergist is helpful as they may prescribe immunotherapy, or allergy shots, to help your body adjust to an allergy trigger.

Persistent symptoms could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as dry eye syndrome, viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) or blepharitis, an inflammatory disease of the eyelid. If you feel your allergies are endangering your vision, you should schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.

For more information on addressing symptoms of seasonal allergies or to schedule an exam, contact Elmquist Eye Group’s team of highly skilled associates.

With more than 25 years of service to the Southwest Florida community, Elmquist Eye Group offers experienced doctors who are dedicated to patient care. Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist, Dr. Kate Wagner, Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown, Dr. Nina Burt and Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez of Elmquist Eye Group are available to answer your questions. With three U.S. military veterans leading the practice, Elmquist Eye Group’s team stands ready to serve you right here in Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.Elmquist.com, call 239-936-2020 or schedule an appointment at an Optical Boutique location in Fort Myers or Cape Coral.

Elmquist Eye Group
239-936-2020 | www.elmquist.com

FORT MYERS
7970 Summerlin Lakes Dr.

CAPE CORAL
2336 Surfside Blvd., Suite 121