Eye Allergy Relief: Are You Suffering from Itchy, Red, Puffy Eyes?

April showers bring May flowers, but May flowers can often bring on red, itchy eyes for those who are susceptible to environmental allergies. The beautiful blooms of spring can have you frantically searching for eye allergy relief.

What Causes Eye Allergies?

Allergies are caused by allergens, everyday substances that your body sees as invaders. These can include indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust, and mites or irritants such as car exhaust, cigarette smoke, or perfumes. Outdoor allergens tend to cause the most misery in the spring and fall and include pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. 

Eye Allergy Symptoms

When your eye comes in contact with an allergen, your immune system responds with an inflammatory response to drive out the allergen. While red, itchy eyes are commonly caused by eye allergies, they are not the only possible symptoms.  An eye allergy can also cause watery, weepy eyes or a burning feeling. Irritated eyes can feel like something is constantly in your eye and have you searching in the mirror for a speck of dust or debris.  

Eye Allergy Relief at Maple Ridge Eye Care

There is no need to suffer from seasonal eye allergies. Some options to reduce or eliminate eye allergies include reducing exposure to allergens. Install an allergen reducing filter on your HVAC system. Keep your windows closed and air conditioning running during periods of high pollen. Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce exposure to pollen.  

Before you reach for an over the counter product, talk to our eye doctor in Maple Ridge about your options for eye allergy relief.  Our optometrist in Maple Ridge, also serving Pitt Meadows, can quickly and correctly diagnose the cause of your eye pain and make recommendations for other lifestyle modifications, eye drops or alternatives to provide you with relief. 

If you are suffering from eye allergies, contact Maple Ridge Eye Care today at 604-463-4469 to discuss your symptoms!