The change of seasons from winter to spring is when most people experience seasonal allergies, and this can wreak havoc on your eyes. Tearing, redness and irritation are just some of the ways that Mother Nature alerts us to her renewal of life. If you experience itchy eyes, it could be allergies or another problem. Here are some tips for taking care of your eyes and protecting your vision.
No Rubbing
Your first reaction to itchy eyes may be to rub them. While this may feel great at first, it can make the problem worse. Rubbing your eyes stimulates the blood vessels and make your eyes more red and irritated. You also risk scratching the cornea. The best way to alleviate itching is to gently apply a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove Your Contact Lenses
Particulates can get trapped under your contact lenses, and wear your lenses for prolonger periods of time can dry out your eyes. Removing your contacts and wearing eyeglasses give your eyes a much-needed break.
Gently Rinse Your Eyes
Use saline or warm water to gently rinse your eyes. This helps to remove any debris that may be trapped. If you notice a small piece of dust or pollen on your lower eyelid or lashes, try to remove it with a facial tissue. You should not use cotton swaps or sharp objects to try to remove it.
Schedule an Exam
Itchy eyes can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If the itching does not go away within a day, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sondheimer. He will perform a comprehensive examination to determine what is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment option to protect your vision and eye health.
Do You Suffer from Chronically Itchy Eyes? Contact Dr. Stuart Sondheimer.
To learn more about eye exams, cataract surgery, LASIK vision correction, diabetic eye care and our other services for patients in the Chicago area, contact Dr. Stuart Sondheimer to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Skokie, Illinois, and you can contact us directly at (847) 677-2794.