Don’t Cry! You Can Beat Your Eye Allergies

Sometimes the most annoying thing about having chronic allergies is that they make you so doggone tired. Continuous discomfort puts a strain on your whole body. This makes it tough just to get through each day. For those of us who work in front of a computer for several hours at a time, eye allergies can be one of the worst symptoms.

According to the American Optometric Association, computer use is linked to infrequent blinking. This dries your eyes out quickly. Add the itching and watering effect of allergic reactions and you have a recipe for constant irritation. If you give in to the temptation to rub your eyes, this just aggravates them more.

Common sources of eye irritation include pollen from trees, weeds, and grass. Nasal allergy symptoms (rhinitis) usually go hand in hand with eye problems (conjunctivitis) for people who experience hay fever. Staying inside can reduce your symptoms on days with high pollen counts. However, if you are sensitive to your pet’s hair/dander or to dust mites in your home, you may have issues all year long. Being exposed to cigarette smoke and certain perfumes will increase your eye inflammation as well.

Reducing Symptoms

The American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) recommends allergy proofing your home to reduce exposure to dust and other contaminants. Per the ACAAI, some over the counter eye drops can make eye irritation worse if you use them for more than 2-3 days. This is especially true for drops that contain vasoconstrictors. Artificial tears that contain only saline and no medications can be used long term but have limited effectiveness. They must be used constantly throughout the day to offer any relief.

Many oral antihistamines used to control nasal allergies list dry eyes as a side effect. This means it is a good idea to check with your physician or immunologist if you have eye allergy symptoms. They can help you treat your condition effectively without accidentally causing more problems than you had to begin with. If your specific allergen triggers can be identified, you may also be a candidate for immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Another treatment often recommended by allergists is the use of an effective air purification system. If you have a reaction to pollen and dust, this may be addressed with a HEPA filter. For mold sensitivity, a UV or photocatalytic oxidation unit can be added to kill hardy mold spores. If chemical compounds in the air are making your symptoms worse, a carbon filter will help trap these noxious gases.

One of the good things about an air filter is that it can be used to treat your whole family at one time. Some air cleaners can destroy bacteria and viruses as well as mold. This offers you the opportunity to protect your immune system. Getting sick less frequently is the best way to reduce the number of doctor visits you have to make each year. With current health care costs at an all time high, an air purifier is a sensible investment. Discover your options when you request our free ebook.

Link for allergy proofing: http://www.acaai.org/public/eyeALLERGY/eyeBrochure.htm

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