For seasonal allergy sufferers, one of the most unpleasant symptoms you may experience is allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergies. With allergic conjunctivitis, you may experience itchiness, redness, watering and/or swelling. We review how to find relief from these symptoms below.
Go Inside
If you’re doing outdoor activities at Grant Park in Atlanta and experiencing eye allergies, the first thing you need to do is go inside. No matter what else you do, if you don’t remove yourself from the offending allergens, your symptoms will probably not improve much. This is especially important during the morning and afternoon hours when pollen counts are highest.
Wash Your Face
The next step you should take is to thoroughly wash your face. This can help wash away allergens that are clinging to your skin and eyelashes.
Rinse Out Your Eyes
In addition to washing your face, you should rinse your eyes with water or an eyewash. This will help flush out allergens and improve your symptoms.
Apply a Cold Compress
Cold compresses can soothe itchiness and swelling. Rinse a washcloth in cold water, or consider refrigerating a damp cloth or eye pillow. You can lie down with the compress spread over your face and eyes.
Try Eye Drops
Over-the-counter eye drops can also be soothing for allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. Look for eye drops at the pharmacy that do not have preservatives in them. Don’t use these drops for more than three days, or they may irritate the eyes more.
Take an Oral Antihistamine
Over-the-counter antihistamine medications work by blocking the production of the chemical histamine, which is triggered by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can both prevent and treat allergic conjunctivitis.
Talk to an Allergist about Immunotherapy
If allergic conjunctivitis is an ongoing problem for you, talk to an allergist about immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term solution for allergies that works by helping your immune system build up a tolerance to allergens over time. For more information about managing allergic conjunctivitis or to schedule an appointment with an expert allergist, call ENT of Georgia North today.
