Seasonal Allergies & Eye Health: What You Need to Know

As trees bloom and grass grows, welcoming the vibrant spring season, many of us find ourselves battling the less welcome arrival of seasonal allergies. At Aspen Eye Care, a family-oriented practice serving clients of all ages, we understand the unique challenges allergies can pose to your eye health. This blog aims to shed light on spring allergies, their symptoms, and how they can specifically affect your eyes.

If it's been a while since your last eye exam, consider this your gentle nudge to schedule an appointment at our Sherwood Park practice. Regular exams are key to catching and addressing eye issues early, ensuring your vision stays in tip-top shape for the rest of the year.

What Are Spring Allergies?

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs when your eyes react to allergens that cause hay fever, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. These allergens trigger the immune system to release histamines, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. This allergic response in the eyes leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid.

Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic reactions can significantly affect your eyes, leading to symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Redness
• Swollen eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Preventing and Managing Seasonal Eye Allergies

Prevention is key in managing eye allergies. Here are some strategies:

• Stay indoors on days with high pollen count and keep windows closed
• Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen
• Rinse your eyes with saline solution to remove allergens
• Use antihistamine eye drops or artificial tears to alleviate symptoms

It's crucial to seek professional care for persistent or severe symptoms. The Aspen Eye Care team offers tailored advice and treatments to help you manage your spring allergies effectively.

Distinguishing Between Pink Eye and Allergies

It's common to confuse the symptoms of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, with those of seasonal eye allergies. While both can cause redness and irritation, there are key differences.

Pink eye can stem from bacterial or viral infections or even allergic reactions. Bacterial and viral pink eye is highly contagious and can cause symptoms like redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling in the eye, and a sticky discharge that may form a crust during the night. This discharge is usually green or yellow and can cause the eyelids to stick together.

Unlike pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies) often affects both eyes. It is not contagious, and sneezing and nasal congestion accompany it.

Diagnosing the exact cause of eye irritation is essential since treatment approaches vary significantly between infectious conjunctivitis and allergies. Treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Bacterial infections may require antibiotic eye drops, while viral infections run their course, with comfort measures to alleviate symptoms. For allergies, avoiding allergens, using antihistamine eye drops, or taking oral antihistamines can help manage symptoms.

Navigating Allergies with Comprehensive Care in Sherwood Park

Spring brings beauty but also challenges for those with allergies, particularly when it comes to eye health. Aspen Eye Care aims to provide comprehensive eye care for families from the youngest to the eldest. Whether you're dealing with the nuisance of spring allergies or are concerned about symptoms resembling pink eye, our team is here to support you through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.