Do you have red, itchy, and watery eyes? If so, they could result from allergies. Allergies that affect your eyes can irritate and make you uncomfortable.
If you live in a high-allergy area, dealing with eye allergies can feel like a never-ending struggle. But there are some ways to treat them and get relief.
With that in mind, this guide will share with you some dos and don’ts of treating eye allergies. Keep reading to learn more!
Keep Your Eyes Clean
For treating eye allergies, it is important to keep your eyes clean. This may seem like a simple task, but it can make all the difference between treating your allergies. Wash your eyes with a mild cleanser twice a day.
Remove allergens from your environment, such as pollen and pet dander, by keeping your windows closed, using an air purifier, and washing fabrics. Be sure to avoid wearing contact lenses during allergic flare-ups, as this can exacerbate symptoms.
Lastly, if symptoms worsen over time, the patient should speak to their top eye doctor for more in-depth eye treatment.
Take Over-the-Counter Medications
Take over-the-counter medications to help ease symptoms. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and eye drops can help reduce the symptoms of eye allergies, such as eye redness, itching, and watering eye conditions.
If you have itching and irritation, look for products containing antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, such as Cromolyn or Nedocromil, that can help control itching and reduce irritation.
Keep the environment clean with regular dust and pollen removal from your home and work environment, as these can irritate your eyes and worsen symptoms.
Don’t Rub Your Eyes
Don’t rub your eyes, as this can further irritate the area and cause an allergic reaction. Rubbing can also spread allergens and bacteria from your hands to your eyes, which can cause additional irritation. When possible, take measures to avoid allergens such as pollen or pet dander, which can lead to allergic reactions.
Taking appropriate medication or using a nasal spray that contains antihistamines can keep allergens from affecting your eye health. Taking a shower to remove allergens from the hair and skin can also help reduce potential eye allergic reactions.
Don’t Use Makeup if Your Allergy Is Bad
If your eye allergy is bad, it is best to not use makeup. Eye makeup, liquid eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara can contain airborne irritants that may further irritate your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops can also irritate already inflamed eyes. If your eyes are itchy, red, or swollen, avoid adding a potential irritant to the equation.
If you must use some type of eye makeup, opt for mineral-based variants, as they contain fewer irritants and chemicals that can further irritate your allergy. To avoid an eye allergy flare-up, make sure to use lukewarm, purified water every time you clean your face, and also clean your makeup brush regularly.
A Guide to Avoid Eye Allergies
Eye allergies can be difficult to manage, but there are several do’s and don’ts that can be helpful. Make sure to keep your eyes clean, take over-the-counter medications to help alleviate symptoms, and avoid rubbing your eyes.
Careful management of eye allergies can help alleviate and prevent discomfort. Take action now and protect your eyes!
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