Treating Eye Allergies in Huntington Beach and Irvine

May 10, 2018

It’s possible to live a healthy and full life even with eye allergies. The eye experts at Beach Eye Medical Group in Irvine and Huntington Beach may prescribe artificial tears, eye drops or oral antihistamines to help control your symptoms. Better yet, they can help you pinpoint your allergy triggers to help you avoid them altogether!

Eye allergies are primarily caused by exposure to allergens. The first step to avoiding the onset of allergies is to know which substances are triggers. Here are some additional tips to help you go through the four seasons without a fuss:

• If your eye allergies are triggered by pollen, it’s best to stay indoors when it’s windy and when there is a high pollen count in your area.
• Schedule your activities. Pollen activity is usually around during midday and early evening so try to schedule your errands around these times.
• Close your home and car windows to minimize the risk of getting pollen into your eyes.
• You can also use protective glasses or sun glasses when you can’t avoid being outdoors.
• Have your air conditioning system checked and cleaned regularly. Air ducts can accumulate numerous allergens, bacteria and pollen over time.
• Dust mites, which are little critters that live in dust, can also cause eye allergies. They are commonly found on pillows, mattresses and upholstered furniture. They feed on dead skin cells and breed in hot and humid environments. Dust mite proof bedding, pillow covers and mattresses are available to help protect against these tiny insects. Make sure to change your linens frequently and wash them in hot water to get rid of dust mites effectively.
• Mold and mildew are also common causes of eye allergies as well. Keeping your home humidity around 30-50% helps keep mold at bay. Regularly clean key areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and basement where it can be wet and humid. Use a 5% bleach solution to clean visible mold and allow the area to completely dry before use.
• When cleaning your home, use a damp mop or cloth to ensure that dust is absorbed and not scattered to avoid contact with your eyes.
• In some cases, eye allergies can also be caused by exposure to pets. Wash your hands right after touching any animal, especially dogs or cats. After visiting a home with pets, it is best to throw your clothes immediately into the wash to avoid getting pet dander around your house.
• Keeping your home carpet-free may also help in controlling your eye allergies. Clients with eye allergies in Irvine and Huntington Beach have found it helpful to replace their carpeting with tile, linoleum, or wood, all of which are easier to clean.

If you have eye allergies and live in Huntington Beach or Irvine, give Beach Eye Medical Group a call. Our eye experts would be happy to help you identify and manage your allergies. Make an appointment today!