Seasonal pollening - simple rules for good eye care

Seasonal pollening is a real nightmare of every allergic person. In our country first plants Begin to emit pollen as early as in February, and the last ones finish in November. During this whole time those who are allergic to various inhaled allergens, such as grass and tree pollen, may suffer from very troublesome ailments. Eye reactions to allergens may be especially severe due to eye’s direct exposure to the outdoor environment and lack of mechanical protection barrier. That is why it is helpful to know how to cope with burdensome symptoms of an eye allergy on everyday basis. 

Allergy is a type of hypersensitivity to one or more environmental factors. The list of common allergens include grass, tree or shrub pollen as well as many others. During the time of seasonal pollening allergens may enter the body through conjunctiva.

Symptoms of eye allergy

The symptoms are usually bilateral, they appear suddenly but wear off equally fast. If we know which pollen we are allergic to, the pollen calendar will allow us to predict when the first allergic reactions may occur. Allergens usually cause itching, lacrimation, burning, eye redness and sandy feeling in the eyes. Subsequently conjunctival injection („red eye”) or conjunctivitis may develop. The above symptoms, frequently accompanied by allergic rhinitis, may be really difficult to cope with, so it is worth following helpful tips, which enable us to reduce the symptoms.

How to protect eyes from seasonal pollening?

Learn some basic rules of good eye care during the period of high allergenic pollen concentration. Adhering to them will help every allergic person survive this most challenging season.

• Do not rub the eyes with your hand. If you complain of itching – wash your face and rinse your eyes with water without soap. When you come back home, take a shower to rinse pollen off your skin and hair.
• Avoid outdoor physical activities. If possible, go for a walk only while it is raining or shortly afterwards. Stay away from places with high pollen concentration, such as meadows, fields or freshly mowed lawns.
• Wear sunglasses or corrective glasses when you are outdoors to provide additional protection for your eyes. Do not forget that pollen may settle on the glasses and clean them regularly with a slightly damp cloth.
• Close the windows in your house, especially at night and in the morning. Open them after a shower of rai nor on cold, wet days. Try not to open the windows in your car while driving.
• While planning your holidays, first remember to check the pollen calendar for the country or region you are going to visit. The best holiday destination for you is the seaside or the mountains, where pollen concentration is the lowest.
• Use HEPA filter air purifiers at home. If you do not have them, you can hang out a few damp towels, which will attract some of the pollen from the air.
• Vacuum the carpets and mop the floors on a regular basis, and forget about hanging your laundry out to dry outside.

The above rules of everyday anti-allergy routine for people allergic to pollen should significantly reduce the burdensome ailments. If you notice the allergy symptoms for the first time or if they do not disappear in spite of following the above rules and taking recommended medications, you should consult a doctor. A pollening season does not have to result in red eyes and conjunctivitis. An appropriate prophylaxis coupled with the right treatment may protect your eyes and enable you to function normally despite your allergy.

If you complain of any of the above ailments or have any other problems with your eyes, make an appointment for a specialist ophthalmologic examination at our Centre: CONTACT

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