Spring Into Action: How to Protect Your Eyes from Seasonal Allergies

When people think about spring allergies, they usually picture specific symptoms. Sneezing. A runny nose. An itchy throat. And those are certainly all hallmarks of seasonal allergies. But they miss out on one of the areas where symptoms are most uncomfortable: the eyes.

If you live with seasonal allergies, now’s the time to spring into action. Our team at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates wants to help. We applied our expertise in eye health to come up with some actionable steps to help you defend your eyes. 

And if your symptoms get unmanageable, don’t hesitate to visit Dr. Endo at our office in Aiea, Hawaii. He can work with you to find lasting relief. 

For now, though, you can see how these three things help any itchiness, redness, or other irritation in your eyes. 

Wear sunglasses

During springtime, more plants — especially trees — put out more pollen. If you’re allergic to anything that’s producing right now, that can translate into allergy symptoms.

Sunglasses provide a shield that can prevent pollen from reaching your eyes. Better yet, add a hat on top. All of this makes it harder for pollen particles to reach the sensitive parts of your eyes. 

We can help you find a pair of sunglasses that does double-duty: shielding your eyes from pollen and the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while looking stylish. 

Be smart about pollen

Pollen counts don’t stay flat throughout the day. Generally, they are lowest in the mid-morning. Choosing to do things outdoors during that window can help to limit your eye symptoms.

The Weather Channel keeps a pollen counter for Aiea. You can also use that to plan your outdoor activities when pollen levels are relatively low.  

Additionally, keep pollen out by keeping your car and home windows closed. And when you get home from being outdoors, be careful of how much pollen you’re tracking in. A change of clothes and a shower can help you feel more comfortable the rest of the day. 

Use over-the-counter helpers

If you live with persistent spring allergy symptoms, now’s the time to start taking an over-the-counter antihistamine regularly. Take it as prescribed, but stay consistent. If it lasts for 24 hours, for example, take it at the same time each day. 

To ease any discomfort in your eyes, you can also use artificial tears. This helps to wash pollen away, minimizing itchiness. 

These lifestyle changes should help minimize the impact of spring allergies on your eyes. If you’re still struggling, though, we’re here to help. To get a treatment plan from Dr. Endo, call our office at 808-774-3838 to schedule an appointment today.