When your eyes don’t produce enough tears to retain moisture, the result can be dry eyes. Dry eyes cause a burning sensation, itchiness, irritation, discomfort and can affect your ability to see clearly.
Other dry eye symptoms include soreness, redness, blurry vision, watery eyes, and a gritty feeling. Allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust may be responsible for your dry eye. Keep reading for 4 tips to follow if your eyes are dry this allergy season!
1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
While your eyes might feel uncomfortable and itchy, try not to rub them as this can make the symptoms worse and even damage your cornea, causing further complications.
2. Stay Away from Allergens
Avoiding exposure to allergens that you’re sensitive to can considerably lessen the symptoms of dry eyes. Use wraparound sunglasses whenever you go outside.
If you’re sensitive to tree pollen, the pollen count is usually higher in the early evenings and mornings. During these times, it’s a good idea to remain indoors.
If you like to run outdoors, consider moving your workout inside during peak allergy season.
3. Remove Lingering Allergens
Allergens like dust and pet dander collect fast and can be hard to spot until there’s a lot of it in one place. To keep these lingering allergens under control, vacuum as often as possible.
Remember to clean your hands thoroughly using water and soap and change your linens regularly. Airborne allergens can remain in your bed sheets, towels, and on your hands.
Washing frequently can reduce some of your allergic reactions. Also, take a shower before going to bed to rinse away any allergens on your body.
4. Use Artificial Tears
Artificial tears lubricate your eyes when they feel itchy or dry and temporarily relieve your dry eye symptoms. Alternatively, you can use a cold compress for relief if you do not have good eye drops or they don’t provide enough relief.
Relief is in Sight-Talk to the Doctors at Morganton Eye
The symptoms of dry eyes can worsen or persist during allergy season. When left untreated, chronic dry eyes can damage your cornea. If you notice your artificial tears or other home remedies aren’t working, it’s time to speak with the eye doctors at Morganton Eye. The knowledgeable ophthalmologists and optometrists at Morganton Eye can accurately diagnose and provide an effective treatment plan for your dry eyes.
Ready to find relief for your dry eyes this allergy season? Schedule your appointment at Morganton Eye now!
