Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the weather outside. The beautiful spring weather comes with plenty of sunshine, but it’s also the start of allergy season.
Whether or not you have a pre-existing eye condition, it’s always a good idea to take extra care of your eyes during springtime. Keep reading to learn nine spring eye care tips to protect your vision and eyes!
1. Wash Your Hands Regularly
If you suffer from spring allergies, they can be triggered by pollen and other allergens like dust and mold. Allergies can cause eye symptoms such as:
- Redness
- A burning sensation
- Swelling
- Grittiness
- Itching
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
Frequent handwashing limits the transfer of pollen and other allergens from your hands to your eyes. It is especially important to wash your hands prior to putting in contact lenses and taking them out.
2. Wear Quality Sunglasses
Excessive, unfiltered exposure to the sun has severe consequences on your eyes. Excessive sun exposure can increase your risk for certain eye conditions, including macular degeneration and early cataracts.
Any time you venture outside, make sure you wear polarized sunglasses. These sunglasses offer one hundred percent protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Our very own 1107 Optique has more than 2,000 frames to choose from and most of the frames can be turned into 100% UVA and UVB polarized sunglasses.
3. Clean Your Home
Allergens like pollen, mold, and dust tend to accumulate on your sheets, beddings, and other areas of your home during springtime. For this reason, it’s essential to clean and vacuum your living space regularly and change your bed linens often.
Spring cleaning removes most allergens from your home and contributes to healthier eyes.
4. Use Artificial Tears
Pollen and other allergens are abundant during springtime. These substances can cause irritation and discomfort in your eyes.
Applying over-the-counter artificial tears will keep your eyes moisturized and wash out allergens. Artificial tears also offer temporary relief from dry, itchy eyes.
Your eye care professional can suggest quality artificial tear drops to maintain eye lubrication and improve visual comfort.
5. Visit Your Eye Doctor For a Comprehensive Eye Exams
You can protect your sight and eyes by visiting an experienced ophthalmologist or optometrist for regular eye examinations. Your eye doctor will check your eyes for signs of spring allergies and provide timely treatment.
By visiting your eye doctor routinely, your eyes will remain comfortable and healthy throughout the spring season and all year round.
6. Stay Hydrated
It’s essential to drink the recommended amount of water per day. Staying hydrated ensures your eyes produce enough tears to flush out extra salts and keep dry eyes at bay.
7. Take Frequent Screen Breaks
If you spend a lot of time in front of your computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, use the 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes. To accomplish this, take a break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
This exercise can aid in preventing eye fatigue, eye strain, and dry eyes.
8. Avoid Allergens
The blooming spring plants and flowers can increase the pollen count outside, which may affect the way your eyes feel. Limiting your time outdoors, especially when the pollen count is exceptionally high, minimizes the impact of these allergens on your eyes.
9. Switch to Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
If you’re a contact lens wearer and have seasonal allergies, you should consider wearing daily disposable contacts. Since daily disposables are discarded after each use, they help avoid a buildup of allergens and can significantly reduce allergy-related eye symptoms.
Find Relief For Your Eyes This Spring
In addition to these tips, the dedicated team at VisionPoint Eye Center can provide the best treatment options to ensure your eyes are as comfortable and healthy as possible during spring.
Are itchy, blurry, and puffy eyes stopping you from enjoying the spring season? Schedule an appointment at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, today!
