The hay fever season runs from sprint to autumn and affects around 18 million people in the UK. As one of the most common allergic conditions, hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to different types of pollen, causing inflammation and symptoms such as sneezing, itchy, runny or blocked nose and difficulty in breathing. Pollen can also set off an allergic reaction in the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye) which becomes inflamed causing watery, red and itchy eyes. This may cause your eyes and eyelids to swell and you may also experience a gritty feeling in your eyes.
Managing your hay fever:
- Stay indoors – keep windows and doors closed and keep surfaces clear with a damp duster. Avoid going out in the early evening and midmorning when the pollen count is at its highest.
- Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors – wraparound styles offer more protection from pollen.
- Wear glasses rather than your contact lenses – especially when the pollen count is high.
- Change your clothes and shower regularly – if you have been outside for a while, you may have pollen on your clothes, skin and hair. Taking a shower and changing your clothes can help.
- Rinse your eyes regularly – use a dedicated eye wash to remove any dust and pollen from the surface of the eyes.
- Use a cold compress – if you develop eye symptoms, the cooling sensation can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your nostrils – this will trap pollen.
Treating your hay fever:
- Anti-allergy eye drops – can be used to help treat eye symptoms, as they target the site of inflammation directly
- Antihistamines are another options with a more immediate effect. These work by blocking the action of histamine released from mast cells during the allergic reaction, they can’t prevent the allergic reaction, they can reduce the severity of symptoms
- Steroid eye drops can be prescribed in severe cases. These are powerful anti-inflammatories but can have serious side affects, such as glaucoma, cataracts and damage to the cornea. They are only available on prescription and monitored to ensure they are safe to use.
If you have concerns, speak to your optometrist.