Itchy Eyes? Allergy Season Is Early This Year

We have had many folks visit us recently with concerns that their eyes feel itchy, dry and irritated.  Many were subsequently diagnosed with ocular allergies.

This year has been unusual.  The warm winter and unseasonably high spring temperatures have caused an early bloom.  Combined with a low amount of rain and snow to keep everything down, this means a higher than normal amount of allergens in the air.

An allergen is a molecule that activates your body’s allergic response.  Common allergens come from pollen, dust, animal hair, and certain foods.  When exposed to an allergen, symptoms such as watery eyes, swollen nasal passages, runny nose and itching can result.

There are many oral medications used to treat allergies, and many of these are effective at helping your eye symptoms as well.  If your eye irritation persists despite being on oral medication, or your eye irritation is your only allergic symptom, there are very effective treatments available in the form of a prescription eye drop.  Used once or twice daily, they can be used safely in most cases throughout allergy season to keep your ocular symptoms away.

Remember, there can be other causes for ocular irritation besides allergies.  Come and see one of our eye doctors for proper diagnosis and treatment of your condition.