Seasonal Allergies: what to expect and how to cope with Fall symptoms

Fall Allergies

Seasonal allergies are the most common cause for allergic conjunctivitis. During the late summer and early fall weed pollen is released into the air and carried by the wind to pollinate like plants for reproduction. These microscopic pollen particles will also make their way into our nose, eyes and throats causing allergic reactions. The most common weeds during the fall season include grasses, ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed tumbleweed and cocklebur and some trees also pollinate during the fall season as well.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are itchy eyes, watery eyes and burning eyes. As the pollen allergens settle into the moist mucous membrane of the eye they will cause your eyes to become irritated. They will begin to itch and tear. Most patients will begin to rub their eyes unknowingly making the condition worse. The eyes then will become red and inflamed. If you are a contact wearer allergy season can become a nightmare. Most patients have to stop wearing their contacts and return to their glasses for a period of time. Hopefully your glasses have an updated prescription.

Treatments

Many suggest that when the pollen count is at its highest remain indoors with the windows closed. Avoidance would be the best solution, but not always possible. Try to keep your hands away from your eyes, instead use a cold compress for relief of itching and burning. There are many over the counter decongestant allergy drops and artificial tears that work well for some patients and are less expensive. But if your condition worsens it would be best to seek treatment from an ophthalmologist who can prescribe a prescription for an anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid drop. Your ophthalmologist can monitor your progress and keep you on your drops for a safe amount of time.

If you are a contact wearer and cannot tolerate going through another allergy season we recommend having a free consultation with Dr. Nielsen to see if you are a LASIK candidate. Just imagine better vision and a life without the hassle and irritation of contacts and glasses. Please call 1-877-373-2020 today for your free V.I.P. consultation.