Tips For Dealing With Dry Eye Syndrome During Allergy Season

Living on the islands means a less serious temperature swing between winter and summer. Still, though, spring brings its fair share of changes in Hawaii. As new plants bloom, allergy season kicks into high gear.

That means runny noses and itchy eyes for plenty of folks. But if you’re living with dry eye syndrome, this can be a particularly uncomfortable time of year. 

We’re here to help. With specialization in treating eye diseases like dry eye, our team here at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates can tailor treatment to soothe your eyes this allergy season. Visit us in Aiea, Hawaii, so we can evaluate your eyes and customize a plan for you. 

Why dry eyes make allergy symptoms feel worse

The tears in your eyes play a big role in protecting them. That includes providing a barrier to defend against allergens. 

When you have dry eye syndrome, your body either doesn’t make enough tears or it has a difficult time keeping a sufficient amount in your eyes. Dry eyes alone can feel itchy. When you introduce allergens like pollen that also cause itching, the situation gets worse. 

That’s a big part of the reason the number of people diagnosed with dry eye syndrome ticks up during allergy season. 

Allergens alone can worsen dry eye symptoms, but that’s not the only issue. Treatments you take for allergies could actually be aggravating your eyes, too. For example, oral antihistamines can worsen dry eyes. 

Fortunately, if you have dry eyes and allergies, we can help you develop a plan to get relief. 

Tips to help dry eyes during allergy season

To start, artificial tears can go a long way. These add the moisture your eyes need to defend against allergens this spring and summer. Our team can help you find the right eye drops for your eyes. In many cases, people with dry eyes benefit from medicated eye drops, which Dr. Endo can prescribe.

Beyond that, some lifestyle changes can help you defend your eyes against pollen and other allergens. These include: 

• Avoiding rubbing your eyes, even when they itch
• Keeping your house sealed up (windows and doors shut) to keep pollen out
• Wearing glasses or sunglasses outdoors to minimize how much pollen gets in your eyes
• Washing your hands frequently, especially before you touch your face

If eye drops and lifestyle changes don’t help, Dr. Endo can explore another type of protective barrier with you. Some people get relief with specialty contact lenses that keep tears in and allergens out. 

You don’t have to suffer through allergy season with dry, itchy eyes. To stop that itching so you can enjoy spring and summer, call our office or book your visit online today.