Spring’s warm, pleasant weather and beautiful scenery provide plenty of motivation to spend the day outdoors. This season’s increased pollen count, however, can cause eye allergies that make outdoor activities less appealing.
Your trusted optometrist from Vienna Eyecare Center shares four practical tips to help prevent springtime eye allergies.
1. Avoid Going Outside When the Pollen Count Is High
As flowers bloom, they release pollen into the air that can come in contact with your eyes. When this happens, your immune system may initiate a hypersensitivity reaction and release histamine. As a result, your eyes may become red, swollen and irritated. An effective way to prevent this from happening is to avoid going outside on days when the pollen count is high.
2. Wear Protective Eyewear
If going outside when the pollen count is high is unavoidable, you can still protect yourself with appropriate eyewear. Wearing oversized sunglasses or eyeglasses can block pollen from entering your eyes. Look for a pair that provides 100% UV protection, so your eyes are also protected from UV rays. Donning a wide-brimmed hat and a face mask can also help.
3. Wash Your Hands Frequently and Maintain a Clean Home
Frequent handwashing is a must throughout the year, but especially in the spring. Doing so prevents the hand-eye transmission of pollen, dirt and other eye irritants. Keeping your living space clean can also help prevent eye allergies.
4. Visit Your Eye Doctor
A visit to your eye doctor is one of the best things you can do for your eyes, no matter the season. We can perform an eye exam to determine the root cause of your eye allergies. During your visit, we may prescribe antihistamine medications to reduce your discomfort.
With these tips, you’re sure to keep spring eye allergies at bay. Get in touch with us at (703) 938-7633 to learn more ways to maintain your visual health this season. You may also complete our form to schedule an appointment. We serve Vienna, Reston and McLean, VA.
