Eye Allergies

Tallahassee Eye Allergies

Are you a sufferer of allergies? Eye allergies in Tallahassee can be horrible. We have tons of trees and when the pollen kicks up, you can just look around and see the multitude of people sneezing, coughing and rubbing their eyes. Big Bend Family Eye Care knows a thing or two about eye allergies. Do your eyes ever become red, swollen and itchy, perhaps accompanied by a runny nose? If so, you’re probably experiencing eye allergies. About 30 to 50 percent of Americans have allergy symptoms, and about three of every four allergy sufferers have eye symptoms. Crazy, huh?

Types of Allergens

When an allergic reaction takes place, your eyes overreact to a substance (called an allergen) perceived as harmful, even though it may not be. For example, dust that is harmless to most people can cause problems for allergic individuals. Many allergens are in the air, where they come in contact with your eyes and nose. Airborne allergens include pollen, mold, dust and pet dander. Some people are allergic to the preservatives in eye drops such as those used to lubricate dry eyes.

Reducing Your Eye Allergies

You can reduce your risk of eye allergies by reducing your exposure to common allergens.

• Dust & Pet Dander: Keep your home free of dust and pet dander, and keep pets off the furniture.
• Stay Indoors: Stay inside with the air conditioner on when a lot of pollen is in the air. Use efficient furnace filters that trap most allergens, and replace them frequently.
• Wear Sunglasses: When outdoors, wear wrap-style sunglasses to help shield your eyes from pollen and other airborne allergens, and drive with your windows closed.
• Use Eye Drops: If you think you are allergic to eye drops, replace them with a preservative-free brand.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, switch to daily disposable contacts. Because you discard these lenses after each use, they won’t accumulate deposits that can worsen allergy-related eye discomfort.