ARA) - Have you ever performed the allergy salute? If not, take the palm of your hand, place it on the tip of your nose, and rub away the itch in a friendly salute. Salutes, shiners and creases resulting from an itchy, runny nose and swollen, itchy, watery eyes are telltale signs that allergy season is upon us.
A nasal crease, the line across the bridge of the nose, is usually the result of rubbing to relieve itching and congestion. Shiners are the dark circles under the eyes due to the swelling, discoloration and congestion of small blood vessels beneath the skin caused by exposure to pollens. Mid-spring to early summer -- that’s when a high concentration of airborne tree and grass pollens affects nearly 50 million sensitized Americans. What should you do to help feel better?
"Try not to rub your eyes. Even though they may itch, rubbing them usually only makes matters worse. Instead, gently rinse your eyes with sterile saline to help wash away pollen. If you wear contact lenses, a disposable lens like Focus Dailies, can help prevent allergens from building up and irritating your eyes," said Dr. William Berger, author of Allergies & Asthma for Dummies.
Seasonal allergic eye disease, or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), is the most frequently diagnosed eye condition during the spring, summer and fall months. Even if you are not allergic to them, pollen and other airborne particles are irritating and dangerous to eyes -- possibly causing blurred vision, burning, redness and swelling. For contact lens wearers, keeping lenses clean and fresh is important to eye health and comfort.
Other suggestions for allergy sufferers include:
Seek help. See your doctor and get a proper diagnosis of your condition. For irritated eyes, it’s also important to see your eye doctor.
Trash ‘em. Daily disposable contact lenses like Dailies can help reduce allergen irritants. Daily disposable wear is the healthiest way to wear contact lenses during the allergy season.
Know thyself. Keep a record of reactions, time of day and associations (pets, activities) to share with your doctor.
Avoid it. Your doctor will help create a plan to help you avoid what may cause your symptoms.
For a short quiz to determine if you likely suffer from allergies, seasonal tips to help you survive pollen season and a U.S. allergen map, go to www.EyeRelief.info. There is also a guide to help you find an eye care professional in your area that can assess your ocular allergy symptoms to see if Dailies would be beneficial. In recognition of May as Healthy Vision Month, register to receive a free copy of Dr. Berger’s book, “Allergies & Asthma for Dummies,” while supplies last.
Courtesy of ARA Content
