Nothing lifts the spirits like a warm, sunny day. But with all that happiness comes a surge of pollen — and for many of us, the onset of seasonal allergies.
According to recent research, hay fever affects a significant proportion of the Irish population. If you’re suffering this season, our handy tips will help you avoid dry, itchy eyes and get through spring with ease.
Recognising the symptoms of hay fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, flowers, or weeds. Because these types of pollen are released at different times of year, you may start to experience hay fever symptoms anywhere from the beginning of the grass-cutting season in spring to the end of pollen season in autumn.
The most common symptoms affect the eyes, nose, and throat. Eyes can become red, watery, and itchy — a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. Those who suffer from hay fever will know it well.
How to treat hay fever
While there is no definitive cure for hay fever, it can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and eye drops. If symptoms are more severe, you may need a prescription medication such as corticosteroids. Here’s what you need to know about the different treatments.
- Antihistamines
Antihistamine treatments limit the effect of histamine, the main chemical released in allergic reactions. Available as tablets, sprays, and eye drops, antihistamines help to treat itchy, watery eyes as well as nasal inflammation. You can use them when the first hay fever symptoms appear, or as a preventative measure by taking them before heading outdoors when pollen counts are high.
- Eye drops
Some eye drops contain an antihistamine that can relieve red, itchy eyes during pollen season. The most commonly used products contain the active ingredient sodium cromoglicate, which helps to ease symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend speaking to your optician for advice. Soft contact lenses absorb the ingredients of antihistamine eye drops more readily, which can be problematic with reusable lenses. Opticians may recommend daily contact lenses to minimise the risk, or advise against wearing lenses altogether if symptoms are severe.
- Steroids
Corticosteroids, available as tablets, sprays, and eye drops, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and are only available on prescription. They’re commonly used to reduce nasal inflammation but can also relieve itchy, watery eyes. Although corticosteroids are highly effective, they can have serious side effects, including glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal damage.
Avoiding pollen contact entirely is a challenge, particularly on the warmest spring days. However, you can follow these simple steps to minimise your exposure.
Finding relief from hay fever
Avoiding all contact with pollen is a challenge, especially on the warmest spring days. However, you can follow these simple steps to minimise your exposure.
How to stop hay fever from affecting your eyes
Try to stay indoors during the times of day when pollen counts are highest (mid-morning and early afternoon). Avoid activities that put you in direct contact with pollen, such as mowing the lawn or lying in grass. Consider creating a low-allergen garden by replacing typical hay-fever-triggering plants and adding natural barriers with hedgerows and trees. When outdoors, wear wrap-around sunglasses with close-fitting sides, top, and bottom to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.
It’s also wise to avoid bringing pollen indoors. Try to keep windows and doors closed, and keep pets outside as much as possible. If you’ve been sitting outdoors, change your clothes when you come in. Clean your furniture with damp cloths to prevent dust and pollen from spreading. When driving, keep windows closed and get a pollen filter for your air vents.
How to manage hay fever if you wear contact lenses
Something as simple as a preservative-free lubricating eye drop will help remove allergens from the eye’s surface and improve overall comfort. Hycosan and Hycosan Extra eye drops are ideal for sensitive eyes and can be used comfortably with all hard and soft contact lenses.
Other tips include wearing lenses only when pollen counts are low and switching to glasses when counts peak. Try to avoid wearing contact lenses in warm, dry environments. Instead, opt for glasses to prevent pollen or dust from becoming trapped beneath your lenses. If glasses aren’t an option, try daily contact lenses rather than fortnightly or monthly. Replacing lenses every day helps prevent pollen build-up. If your eyes become very sore and red, remove your lenses immediately and contact your optician.