Spring Fever – it’s Hay Fever season

Spring Fever – it’s Hay Fever season

Itchy, watery eyes? Welcome to the start of another hay fever season.  With over 18 million sufferers in the UK (that’s approximately 1 in 4 people) it’s one seasonal inconvenience that can be simply treated, but isn’t completely preventable.  There are experts working on a defensive treatment, but for the time being medication offers much needed relief.

Eye Symptoms of Hay Fever

Hay fever eyes – also known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis – affects people to varying degrees, with symptoms ranging from an annoying mild itch to full blown red eye, oedema (swelling) and lacrimation (watering) bringing misery to sufferers.

Why does it happen?

Exposure to pollen grain can set off an allergic reaction as the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane covering the whites of the eye) becomes inflamed causing watery, red, itchy eyes.

For The Moment…

All is not lost. There are simple solutions and remedies to reduce eye discomfort, from keeping windows and doors closed to wearing wrap around sunglasses. Avoiding the lawn mower could also help.

Anti-allergy eye drops, such as sodium cromoglicate, that block the breakdown of mast cells can help to reduce the release of histamine. Oral antihistamines combat the inflammatory effect of histamine. Both can act as effective defences if administered consistently. They can be bought over the counter.

Steroid eye drops are also very effective but can lead to serious side effects such as glaucoma, cataracts and damage to the cornea. Take advice before using steroid sprays or drops.

Advice for Contact Lens Wearers

Reduce the length of time lenses are worn during the day. A good benchmark is around 12 hours.  Avoid sunbathing in contact lenses and remember not to get suntan lotion on them. Don’t continue to wear lenses if eyes become very sore and red. If in doubt, take them out and contact your eyecare practitioner. And before using lubricating eye drops, first seek professional advice.

The Grass Could Finally Be Greener

Experts have recently found those affected by the allergy can reduce hay fever symptoms for “several years” after undergoing immunotherapy treatment, taken in pill form or injections for three years consistently, through exposure and climatisation to grass pollen extract.

CQC