Courtesy of Ighani Eye Care
What spring feels like: This is the perfect weather for being outdoors!
What spring feels like with allergies: This is the day I die.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know the feeling. The watery, itchy, scratchy eyes, the runny nose and don’t forget the sneezing. Ahhh, spring is in the air. Achoo!
At Ighani Eye Care, we see many patients dealing with seasonal allergies and looking for relief. The great news is that we can help.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system is affected by an environmental allergen (like pollen). When this happens, your body releases histamine, and histamine is what causes inflammation and itchiness. There are three main types of pollen that people are frequently allergic to: tree pollen (hel-looo mountain cedar), weed pollen (ragweed) and grass pollen. In North Texas, the mountain cedar can get so bad in the spring, many people describe spring allergies as cedar fever!
Seasonal Allergies Survival Guide
If you suffer from allergies this time of year, a lovely day outdoors can quickly turn into a miserable one. You may even be tempted to stay inside until spring is over! But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips that can help you control your symptoms.
- Know your triggers. If you know what causes an allergic reaction, you can begin to take steps to avoid them. Not sure exactly what you’re allergic to? An allergist can perform testing to make that determination.
- Reduce exposure. Once you know which allergens trigger a response for you, take steps to reduce exposure. For example, if pollen is a trigger for you, stay inside as much as possible on high pollen count days, and if you have to be outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Take antihistamines. Taking an antihistamine may help prevent seasonal allergies by reducing the histamines in your body. There are many over-the-counter antihistamines out there, but it is always good to speak to your doctor before taking any medication. Taking an antihistamine daily before your symptoms start may help reduce the severity of your spring allergies.
Don’t Cry Over Eye Allergies
Eye allergies, sometimes called allergic conjunctivitis, are quite common. When your eyes react to something that irritates them, your eyelids can become red, swollen and itchy, and your eyes can tear excessively and burn. These are the most common eye allergy symptoms we see here in north Texas.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not like the pink eye type of conjunctivitis. Thankfully, eye allergies don’t spread from person to person. But even though they’re not contagious, eye allergies can be quite bothersome. If any of these eye issues sound familiar to you, and you are unable to find relief with the at-home tips shared above, our experienced team at Ighani Eye Care can help.
Dr. Ighani or Dr. Anding will perform diagnostic testing and a complete exam that will help us pinpoint the source of your unique situation. This is an important diagnostic step because eye allergy symptoms are similar to certain other types of eye infections.
It’s About the Care at Ighani Eye Care
More than just a provider of the latest advancements in ophthalmology, Ighani eye Care isn’t just about technology – it is about people. We treat each person that walks through the doors of Ighani Eye Care with respect. Honor. Warmth. And each member of the team is committed to this same philosophy.
From a medical eye condition to cataracts and laser vision correction, Ighani Eye Care is your trusted comprehensive eye health services provider, using the latest technologies and research-based practices. Don’t let your allergies get the final word this spring. Schedule an appointment today and get ready for relief.
