Hay fever season typically runs from the end of March until September, depending on the type of pollen you’re allergic to. It can affect the eyes, causing them to be red, itchy and watery and, in severe cases, the eyes can swell leading to vision issues.
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to improve your eye symptoms when it comes to hay fever. We cover these in our blog below:
1. Use eye drops
When your eyes feel itchy, it’s natural to want to rub them. While doing so may relieve your eyes for a few minutes, it can worsen symptoms.
Eye drops provide effective relief for itchy eyes. Not only do they add moisture, but they help flush out any pollen that has got into the eyes. At Optomeyes, we stock Hycosan Dual eyedrops, a brand widely recommended by optometrists.
We also stock biodegradable hay fever relief eyelid wipes by The Eye Doctor which are designed to gently remove pollen particles and airborne allergens from the eyelids and eyelashes.
2. Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses act as a physical barrier from pollen. By wearing a quality pair of prescription glasses, you can protect your eyes against pollen, dust and other airborne particles.
At Optomeyes, we stock Maui Jim sunglasses. Renowned for providing a high level of UV protection while still enhancing colours, they are one of our most popular brands.
Wraparound sunglasses provide extra protection by shielding the side of the eyes from the elements, consider this when purchasing your next pair of sunglasses.
3. Rinse your eyes regularly
If your eyes start hurting, washing your eyes under water can help to remove any pollen that has been caught in them. It will refresh them and keep them hydrated, reducing dryness and discomfort.
Heading out and won’t have a convenient place to be able to wash your eyes? Be sure to pack your eye drops as a quick and easy solution.
4. Be vigilant during days with a high pollen count
Those who have been living with hay fever for some time understand that some days the effects of pollen are unavoidable.
On high pollen days, our advice is to stay indoors as much as possible and to keep your windows closed. If you do need to venture outside, remember to pack your sunglasses.
5. Speak to us
There’s nothing worse than going about your day in discomfort. If you’ve tried the above steps and haven’t had any luck, speak to one our optometrists or dispensing team to see if they can help you further.
Book in for your next appointment at https://www.optomeyes-eyecare.co.uk/booking.