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No More Spring allergy pains
The benefits that LASIK can have for those suffering from spring allergies.
It is no secret that the spring season is a welcome change from the cold, wintery weather that we have grown accustomed to over these last few months. The melting of the snow and ice outside not only means longer days filled with warmer temperatures and fun afternoons spent relaxing outside, but also the growth of the gorgeous green scenery that we have come to associate with this time of the year.
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One of the reasons why many people claim that spring is their favorite season is because of this green growth that is taking place all around us throughout the month of April. Trees are sprouting buds on their branches, flowers are peeking their way through the ground and searching for sunlight, and the muted colors of winter begin to disappear once and for all.
However, the onset of the spring season doesn’t always produce extraordinary feelings of excitement for some individuals. If you are someone who falls victim to regular seasonal allergies and all of the frustrating symptoms that go with it―itchy eyes, runny nose, puffy eyelids, etc.―then the last thing you want to do in the middle of spring is venture outside and explore the tempting freshly sprouted, green world outside.
Luckily, there are many different things that you can do as an allergy sufferer to limit your symptoms and prevent your allergies from getting worse day after day. One of the most sure fire ways to get rid of these frustrating allergy symptoms once and for all is through LASIK eye surgery. However, if you’re not sure about LASIK eye surgery just yet, there is plenty you can do to prevent yourself from suffering from allergies on a daily basis.
Check the Pollen Count
It seems like a silly thing to suggest—won’t you know what the pollen count is by just going outside? Well, not really, there’s no way to be able to tell on your own how much pollen is floating around. It’s always a good idea to check the pollen count in your area so that you know what to expect on that day. Some people make a point to the pollen count while they’re checking the local weather forecast, which is an easy way to make sure you don’t forget.
Wash Your Clothing
Imagine a bee carrying around pollen from flower to flower. Pollen is TINY! Sure, when there is a ton of pollen in one place, it’s easy to see its yellow color, but in reality, its individual particles are hard to spot. Since pollen can stick to your clothing, we recommend that you wash it more freqently during the weeks when the pollen count is high.
Your hair, too, can carry pollen. If you are questioning whether or not you should lather on the shampoo on a given day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s hard to escape an allergen like pollen when its clinging to your tresses.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes
Allergies cause watery and itchy eyes, which is never pleasant. Oftentimes without even thinking about it, many people suffering from allergies rub or scratch their eyes to relieve the discomfort, which results in swollen eyes. Touching your eyes to itch or scratch can further irritate them and worsen the symptoms. Try your best to resist!
Taking the necessary precautions for staying away from allergies, such as checking the pollen count before heading outside or washing your clothing more often, can do a large part in preventing the dry, itchy eyes that come with springtime allergies. However, if you are a regular glasses or contact wearer, the constant running and itching of your eyes can cause serious problems, especially if you have a contact lens in your eye while you are trying to rub the allergies away.
Unfortunately, a nationwide survey conducted by the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAAI) found that 54.6% of all Americans test positive for one or more allergens. 90% of these people report allergy symptoms that affect their eyes. Medical doctors typically prescribe antihistamines to help manage allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, antihistamines reduce the quality and quantity of tears. So, instead of wet, itchy eyes, you are left with dry eyes. Both conditions make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and cause blurry vision for those poor irritated eyes!
Adding these allergy-related pains onto an already frustrating routine filled with glasses and LASIK is never fun, and it is even less fun when you are trying to lay by the pool or beach with your friends to catch up the summer rays. This is why it is important to meet with a certified LASIK surgeon before your procedure to make sure it is something that is right for you. For more questions, contact OCLI today.
