Allergy season is just around the corner. The flowers are in bloom and the pollen count is rising. Unfortunately, that means your eyes are going to start feeling the effects. Allergy medication can help keep your symptoms under control, but for temporary eye irritation associated with allergies, you should have some home remedies on hand. Here are four ways to take care of your eyes during allergy season.

Keep Your Face and Hands Clean

If you spend a lot of time outside during allergy season, pollen and other allergens can collect on your face and hands. You rub your face and suddenly pollen has found its way into your eyes. You can prevent that by keeping your face and hands clean. You should wash your face at least twice a day during allergy season to keep the allergens away from your eyes. You should also wash your hands after being outside.

Splash Some Water On Your Eyes

If allergens have gotten into your eyes and now they're red and itchy, you can relieve the discomfort by splashing some water on them. Lean over the sink, place some clear water in your cupped hands and splash the water into your eyes. Repeat this several times to wash the allergens out of your eyes. Pat your eyes with a soft cloth. 

Reach for a Cold Compress

Severe allergies can cause your eyes to swell. If your eyes are swollen from allergy symptoms, you should reach for some cold compresses. The cold will reduce the swelling around your eyes and reduce the irritation. Take a clean wash cloth and soak it in cold water. Squeeze the cloth out to remove the excess moisture. Place the compress over your eyes and relax for about 30 minutes.

Know When to Seek Professional Care

If you've come in contact with an allergen that you're not used to, or that has caused a severe reaction in your eyes, you may need to visit your ophthalmologist. This is particularly true if you experience any of the symptoms described below.

  • Eye pain
  • Blurry vision
  • Vision problems
  • Scratching sensation when you blink

Allergy season can wreak havoc on your eyes. To keep symptoms to a minimum, use your allergy medication as recommended. When symptoms cause redness, swelling or itching in your eyes, use the home remedies described above. If your symptoms worsen, you should talk to a local ophthalmologist (such as one found through http://arizonaeyes.net) as soon as possible. 

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