Spring Time Means Allergies

As you can tell by the beautiful weather we are having here in Chicago, spring is just around the corner. If you suffer from seasonal allergies like me, you know that spring time means its allergy time as well. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies are sneezing and congestion, but ocular symptoms are very common as well. The most common of these symptoms are itching, tearing, and redness of the eyes.

While there are many over-the-counter options for treating eye allergies, they are often ineffective or may worsen your condition. Visiting your eye doctor will ensure that you are receiving the best and most appropriate treatment. In moderate and severe cases of eye allergies, your eye doctor will likely recommend prescription eye drops. These drops, typically antihistamines or mild steroids, are very effective in eliminating the symptoms of itching, redness and irritation.

Contact lens wearers with allergies may also suffer during allergy season. Allergens may deposit on the contact lens, allowing for direct contact with the surface of the eye, which further exacerbates the allergy symptoms. In my experience, the best remedy is to switch to a daily disposable contact lens. By putting on a fresh lens every day, there is less chance for allergens to deposit on the lens. Another option is switching to a different contact lens cleaning system, so that the contact lenses are cleaned and disinfected more thoroughly.

Remember, your eyes don’t have to suffer from seasonal allergies. If you have allergies, schedule an examination with your eye doctor so they can develop an effective treatment plan to prevent symptoms before they start.