We finally made it to early summer weather and directly into allergy season. The switch to warmer weather is often accompanied by watery, itchy eyes. Reducing ocular allergies begins with minimizing your exposure to environmental triggers. When pollen counts are high, we recommend keeping your windows closed and relying on air conditioning to filter indoor air. To further protect your eyes while outdoors, wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, which act as a physical barrier against airborne allergens. Simple hygiene adjustments, such as washing your hands and face immediately after being outside and showering before bed, can prevent pollen from transferring to your pillow and irritating your eyes overnight.

Inside the home, managing common irritants like dust mites, pet dander, and mold is crucial. You can reduce these triggers by using allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows and washing bedding frequently in very hot water. Additionally, maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% helps prevent mold growth, while regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter machine can effectively trap small particles that standard vacuums might miss.

If you still end up with itchy eyes, quick relief can often be found through simple home care and over-the-counter options. We often recommend Pataday eye drops, which are anti-histamine drops. These are helpful for more immediate relief along with over-the-counter artificial tears. Additionally, applying a cold compress (think a cool, clean washcloth) to closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes can soothe itching and reduce swelling. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses or daily disposables during peak allergy season to avoid the buildup of irritants on the lens surface.

If you have tried all these options but still are having intensely itchy, irritated eyes please call our office! Sometimes we need to use stronger medications, such as short-term steroid drops, or there is something else going on and we can determine at an office visit with one of our doctors.