Just like each year, Spring it upon us and while it brings sunshine, bloom and higher hopes for the upcoming summer, it is also the season of allergies. Most people who experience spring allergies will get itchy, watery eyes during this season. This is especially hard on those who wear contact lenses for better vision. But don’t despair, there are some tips we can give you to feel better and survive the allergy season with some relief and ease.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 50 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies with a range of symptoms, which often will also affect the eyes. Read more here.
However, there are some things you can do and Dr. Hakimzadeh is the leading Rochester Hills eye doctor, providing some tips on how to best survive the allergy season with optimal eye health. So here are some things you can do:
Avoidance: While we are not suggesting you stay indoors during Spring, it is helpful to try and avoid conditions where you know you will suffer or at least be well prepared. For example, during spring you may want to either avoid or take allergy medicine if you will go out in nature such as parks, forests and botanical gardens. If you must go there, be sure to take allergy relief from over-the-counter or prescription from your physician or eye doctor.
Allergy Medicine: As mentioned above, sometimes you will not be able to find relief unless you are taking some kind of allergy medicine. There are hundreds of different options for you depending on the severity of your allergies. It is best to talk to you physician or eye doctor to find out which allergy treatment is best appropriate for you. If your allergies are not severe, then we recommend over-the-counter eye drops for allergies or pills such as Claritin for seasonal allergies. Decongestants can also be helpful is your allergies are affecting both your eyes and nasal passages.
Wear glasses or get LASIK: The allergy season is especially hard on people who wear contact lenses. During allergy season, contact lenses tend to accumulate pollen and other allergens on the surface thereby making your allergies even more irritating. During the allergy season we recommend you wear glasses instead of contact lenses or get LASIK (aka laser eye surgery for clear vision).
LASIK: Also known as laser eye correction, LASIK has helped millions of people eliminate their dependence for eyeglasses and contact lenses. If you get LASIK, you will not have to wear glasses or contact lenses, making the allergy season that much more bearable for you. Dr. Hakimzadeh is the leading Michigan LASIK surgeon who has helped hundreds of people regain their freedom from having to depend on corrective eye wear. To schedule your laser eye surgery consultation, please contact us today. It is always helpful to learn about your options.
Stay Hydrated: This advice should be taken to heart year around, but is especially important during allergy season. Staying hydrated will provide the moisture your eyes need to combat irritability, itchiness and eye redness.
