What Causes Seasonal Eye Allergies?

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, many of us find ourselves welcoming the beauty of fall. For some people it heralds the unwelcome arrival of seasonal allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies that affect the eyes, read on as the local eye care providers at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry discusses what causes seasonal eye allergies, and how to alleviate them.

Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers

Seasonal allergies are triggered when plant pollination is at its peak. Trees are typically the first to pollinate in spring, followed by grass in late spring and throughout summer, lastly by ragweed in late summer and fall. Climatic variations like mild winters and rainy springs can cause early pollination, which can cause symptoms to last well beyond seasonal changes.

In addition to ragweed, other plants that typically trigger fall allergies include burning bush (Euonymus alatus), cockleburs (genus Xanthium) and goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri). Other factors that can influence the severity of allergy symptoms include mold growth (which can be an allergy trigger in itself), wind (which may ground or disperse pollen), and the time of day.

How to Combat Seasonal Eye Allergies

Persistent eye irritation, along with coughing and sneezing, is a clear indicator of seasonal allergies. Fortunately, alleviating them is nowhere near as complex as LASIK eye surgery. Here are some of the things that you can do.

• See an allergist. The best, long-term solution to persistent allergies is to see an allergist. Instead of treating the symptoms, an allergist will determine the cause and address it.
• Monitor pollen counts. Weather reports online and on TV include pollen counts during allergy seasons. Try to avoid going out or postpone unimportant appointments if there’s a reported high pollen count.
• Have separate “outside” wear. Having a separate set of clothes for when you go out can help reduce the pollen that you track indoors. If not, take a full bath and change your clothes after spending time outdoors. Bathe your pet or use a lint roller to remove as much pollen from their fur as possible.
• Wear a face mask. Face masks may not be as essential as they were a few years ago, but they can help keep pollen out of your lungs.
• Wear appropriate eyewear. If your allergy symptoms are mostly centered on the eyes, wearing the appropriate eyewear can help immensely. If you need prescription eyewear, ask your local optometrist for styles that are best suited for allergen protection.

Our team at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry can help you with your eye care needs, including getting you the right protective eyewear. Give us a call at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding communities.