Itchy sore eyes - Coton & Hamblin Opticians

Itchy, watery, sore eyes? Read on for helpful tips.

Itchy, watery eyes - top tips to help this summer

It’s that time of year again – the weather starts to look up and summer is on her way and the allergy season steps up another gear and overnight more than 20% of people in the UK succumb to the various symptoms of hay fever – including itchy, watery eyes.

Hay fever is generally referred to as an allergic reaction to pollen, but it can also be triggered by other allergies such as dust mites, animal fur etc. Pollen is made up of fine microscopic grains which are released into the air by grass, plants and trees. They are carried in the wind and they stick to absolutely everything and we also breathe them in.

Random fact: The term hay fever came about in the 19^th century as the symptoms were incorrectly connected to the smell of new hay.

The Pollen Season

The pollen season typically starts in early spring around March, with tree pollen, followed by grass in late spring and summer and completing the trio is ragweed pollen in autumn.

Grass pollen typically has two peaks during the season where symptoms can be worse due to the increase – these are usually early June and late July.

The amount of pollen can be affected by various factors, which include temperature. Urban areas tend to have lower pollen levels. However, there are studies that show pollution can make hay fever symptoms worse. Scientists are not sure the exact reasoning why this occurs.

The MET office has a useful pollen forecasting tool and there are apps which project the pollen peaks.

Pollen forecast - Met Office

The Science Part

Pollen is a type of allergen – in some people allergens create an unwanted reaction.

This causes the body to release histamine and other chemicals which cause inflammation and swelling.

Anti -histamine helps to stop the body from releasing histamines and in turn reduces inflammation and swelling.

Scientists have developed medications and eye drops which contain anti-histamine and products like it which help reduce hay fever symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Suffering with eye allergies can be miserable – there is an array of symptoms with the most common ones listed below:

Itchy and watery eyes
General eye discomfort – sometimes with redness
Sneezing
Runny/itchy/stuffy nose
Sore and scratchy throat

How can we help?

I have pulled together all the advice I have been giving my patients over the years and I hope that some of these tips and tricks will help. If you do have any questions, please contact us:

Blackheath 0208 858 1858 blackheath@coton-hamblin.com

Woolwich 0208 854 1491 woolwich@coton-hamblin.com

Prevention Tips

The aim is to reduce pollen getting onto you and then reduce its transference within your home

Staying indoors for the summer can help but probably isn’t the most useful suggestion!
Wearing sunglasses and hats can stop pollen from getting into your eyes and your hair
Leaving all outside clothing by your front door stops the pollen on your clothes transferring to other surfaces within your home.
When the pollen levels are high, keeping doors and windows closed (not ideal on a hot summer's day).
If you have pets – give them a rub down before they come indoors.
Washing your hands and face/even showering when you get in to clear any pollen away from your body.
Hair can pick up a lot of pollen - if you can wash your hair when you get in, or it is good idea to wash before sleeping to prevent pollen getting onto your pillow.
Face masks with filters may also help reduce the pollen reaching your airways. However, the fabric itself may attract pollen particles.

Eye Advice

Top tips - wearing spectacles, sunglasses and hats with a brim like a baseball cap can prevent pollen getting onto the lids and lashes.

Other useful suggestions:

Keeping the eyes clean and clear – pollen may be on your eyebrows, lids, and lashes – it’s important to keep them clean and clear – using wipes can help. There are specialist eye wipes or using cooled boiled water and lint free cotton wool when you get indoors can also help clear the pollen away.
Cold compresses – the coolness of the compress can help reduce the itching and soothe the eyes – there are commercially available eye bags which can go in the freezer or there is the home-made version recipe below.
Eye drops – there is a wide selection of eyedrops which help reduce the itching and watering of allergy symptoms in the eyes. These range from over-the-counter products to ones which must be specially prescribed by an Ophthalmologist. Using these drops regularly will reduce the allergy response and make the eyes more comfortable. We always suggest using a preservative free version of any eye drop.

Where are these products available?

At Coton & Hamblin, we stock several types of eye wipes, eye-bags and drops. We would recommend that before purchasing, you have an appointment with one of our Optometrists so that we can check your eyes fully and make appropriate recommendations for you specifically.

Medications & Allergy Testing

There are a variety of medications called antihistamines available which help decrease your body’s reaction to allergens and in turn reduce the symptoms associated.

Antihistamine tablets/nasal sprays – there are a wide variety available over the counter – speak with your pharmacist/GP before taking any new medications, especially if you have any health problems.

Allergy testing – you can be checked for allergies. However, this is usually not available on the NHS. This testing is often more focused on food intolerances, however there are home testing kits.

Other Useful Tips

Diet

Healthier diet
Reduce sugar. Sugar is a natural, inflammatory that can trigger a spike in sugar levels, which when followed by a crash causes a sudden release of adrenaline and histamine.
Avoiding dairy – dairy is infamous for increased mucous production
Boost Vit C intake – Vitamin C acts like a natural antihistamine to calm allergic reactions
Lower alcohol levels (related to the sugar)