Many people suffer from allergies, and with Michigan’s warmer weather and air conditioning the onset of sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes has increased.
When medications and remedies don’t cut it, doctors of optometry can help with seasonal eye allergies.
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens – pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander – that get in the eyes and cause inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner eyelid.
While eye allergies can affect anyone, spring and can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers. Extended wear time and infrequent lens replacement are two of the main reasons contact lens wearers face more prevalent symptoms.
Optometrist Dr. Mark Roy of Oakland Optometry suggests several tips that can help eye allergies during the warm months.
• Talk to your optometrist about changing your cleaning method or using single-use contact lenses.
• If possible, reduce contact lens wearing time. Otherwise, use eye drops as prescribed by a doctor of optometry.
Even for the worst allergy suffers, eye allergies can be curtailed and sometimes even prevented by following these recommendations:
* Don’t touch or rub your eyes.
* Wash hands often with soap and water.
* Wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
* Avoid sharing, and in some cases, wearing eye makeup.
* Never share contact lenses or contact lens cases with someone else.
Beyond discussing allergy relief with your optometrist, Roy also recommends adults and children have yearly eye exams. Based on an individual’s eye health and the severity of their eye allergies, the eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.
To find out more about eye allergies and how to properly care for allergies and contacts during the warmer months contact Dr. Roy at Oakland Optometry. The office is located at 4970 N. Adams Road in Rochester Hills, MI 48306. Call 248- 373-6500.
