Spring allergies affect an estimated 30 to 50 million Americans. In Dallas, common allergens are based on the trees, weeds, grasses and plants that grow here. The Pollen Library provides a list of common allergens based on season, and on a daily basis, the weather forecast from local Dallas news stations includes a pollen
count specific for the day. For many allergy sufferers, spring means a season filled with sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. Unfortunately for many, it can also mean dealing with red eyes, dry, itchy, burning watery or even swollen eyes. These symptoms can be more than irritating; they can even be painful.
4-Day PollenCast for Dallas Allergies from Weather.com
When the conjunctiva (mucous membrane covering the whites of the eyes and lining the eyelids) comes into contact with allergens such as pollen from grasses, trees and weeds, the immune system senses a threat and antibodies are developed that release histamine, causing watery, itchy, red eyes.
In addition to seasonal allergies, many people suffer from perennial allergies, which may be caused by dust, mold, pet dander, air pollution, cosmetics, perfume, medication or smoke. If you aren’t certain the cause of your eye allergies, ask your doctor for an allergy test to determine the source of your misery.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, follow these eye care tips for relief from your symptoms:
Your allergies may not be preventable, but it is possible to reduce the irritating and painful symptoms of eye allergies.