How to protect your eyes from autumn allergies
In autumn it is still possible to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, however, the autumn season also brings with it a large number of allergens. Plant residues from fallen leaves can penetrate the eyes, causing a hypersensitivity reflex of the immune system. So the eyes become red, itchy and watery.
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, feathers and other indoor or outdoor allergens can trigger eye allergy symptoms. To treat them, you need to find out what triggers them and keep your symptoms under control.
What are the causes and symptoms of autumn eye allergies?
Eye allergies are also known as “allergic conjunctivitis”. Like any other allergic reaction, they are caused by a malfunction of the immune system, the body’s natural defense mechanism.
When you suffer from allergies, your body reacts to factors that aren’t really harmful, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dandruff.
In case of exposure to allergens , our body releases histamine, a chemical substance that causes swelling and inflammation and as a result the blood vessels in the eyes swell. This makes the eyes red and itchy.
You may be allergic to:
- pollen of grasses, weeds and trees. These are the most common types of eye allergies and are known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
- Dust, pet dandruff and other indoor allergens. These eye allergies last all year round and are called chronic (perennial) conjunctivitis.
- Makeup, perfume, or other chemicals can trigger eye allergies called contact conjunctivitis.
- Contact lenses. This allergy is called giant papillary conjunctivitis. It can cause bumps on the inside of the eyelid, making the eyes sensitive and red both when wearing contact lenses and not.
Symptoms may begin to occur as soon as the eyes come into contact with the allergen, or they may not manifest for two to three days.
The symptoms of eye allergies are as follows:
- red and irritated eyes;
- itching;
- abundant and continuous tearing;
- swollen eyelids;
- pain, burning or discomfort;
- sensitivity to light.
Other allergic symptoms and ailments also usually occur, such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing.
Some medications used for nasal allergies are also effective with eye allergies. For quick relief , over-the-counter eye drops and pills may be helpful.
How to protect yourself from allergies and other ailments in autumn
The time of year is coming when the weather starts to change once again. The transition from summer to autumn can bring a new wave of seasonal allergens.
For allergy sufferers, getting outdoors can be a challenge. You want to sleep almost all day, due to the severe headaches, eye irritation, and general dry eyes associated with this time of year.
As with all other allergic symptoms, it’s best to keep the disorder under control and protect your eyes from this season’s allergies before you become a victim.
Let’s see how to protect our eyes from allergies and other ailments while minimizing unpleasant autumn allergies.
Limit time spent outdoors
An effective way to prevent eye allergy attacks is to avoid the triggering allergens. Ragweed is one of the main culprits of allergy during autumn.
Since pollen counts are usually high in the morning, try to limit the time spent outdoors early in the day by staying at home and keeping doors and windows closed. It also uses an air filter and a humidifier.
Wear protective equipment
If you can’t stay indoors, you can try wearing a surgical mask when you go out. It is also advisable to wear a pair of wrap-around sunglasses because the lenses prevent pollen, debris and other impurities from coming into contact with the eyes, reducing the risk of eye allergies.
Using prescription glasses instead of contact lenses
Contact lenses can be among the main culprits of eye irritation during the autumn season.
Allergens can become trapped between the contact lens and the eye, causing direct contact with the allergen and extreme irritation.
To protect your eyes from seasonal allergens, use prescription glasses, avoiding contact lenses.
Don’t touch your eyes
When you feel pain, it is essential not to touch the affected area or rub your eyes because the situation could worsen. In this way, allergens spread to other areas of the eye and into the nasal passages, worsening the situation.
Observe proper hygiene and wash away allergens
Another effective way to keep autumn allergies at bay is to have scrupulous hygiene. Wash your hands often to reduce hand-to-eye transmission of potential allergens. It is also advisable to change the sheets regularly.
Showering before bed is another way to protect your eyes. After a long day of exposure to the elements, it’s important to wash allergens off your body to avoid rubbing them into your eyes while you sleep. If you go to bed without showering, you allow allergens encountered during the day to come into contact with pillows and blankets, making it more difficult to reduce exposure.
Maintaining good habits such as washing your face regularly and using natural eye drops can also limit the risk of eye infections.
Using artificial tears
During the autumn season, it is essential to wash your eyes well to protect them from exposure to allergens. Artificial tears allow allergens to be washed away from the eyes without causing damage.
It is advisable to talk to your eye doctor to find out which artificial tears are best suited to your specific needs.
Visit the ophthalmologist regularly
The best way to keep your eyes healthy, no matter the season, is to undergo regular eye examinations.
After a visit, you may be prescribed antihistamines and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help you fight allergies typical of autumn.
