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Posted by: Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute in Worth Sharing...

Fall is so close, and we will be waving goodbye to Summer very soon. The official first day of the fall season kicks off on September 22nd this year. While some people are excited, others dread what they may have to endure with fall season allergy triggers. Ragweed is the leading cause of fall allergies’ biggest triggers. Ragweed usually starts to release pollen with cool nights and warm days beginning in August and last through September and October. Even if ragweed does not grow where you live, the ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles with the wind. The top complaint for those who suffer from fall allergy symptoms is watery and itchy eyes.

Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are quite common. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them (called an allergen). The eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva become red, swollen, and itchy. The eyes can tear and burn. Unlike other kinds of conjunctivitis, eye allergies do not spread from person to person.

People who have eye allergies commonly have nasal allergies as well, with an itchy, stuffy nose and sneezing. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies.

You can also get eye allergies from pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, or even foods. If you cannot avoid the cause, your allergies can be more severe.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Fall Eye Allergies?

The most common fall eye allergy symptoms include:

• red, swollen, or itchy eyes
• burning or tearing of the eyes
• sensitivity to light

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Fall Allergies

As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we also spend more time indoors with the windows closed, exposing ourselves to indoor allergens, such as dust mites and indoor mold. If you have fall allergies, you can usually manage your symptoms and get back to enjoying your life — both inside and outside. These seasonal allergy management tips can help:

• Check pollen levels: Most pollen-producing weeds release the bulk of their pollen in the early morning hours, so you should limit outdoor activity before noon.
• Fall cleaning: Shutting the house down for the coming winter and turning your heating system on can agitate dust that is settled around your home, releasing it into the air to cause allergies. Always make sure to give your house a thorough dusting in the late summer or early fall.
• Wear protective clothing and eyewear: If you do have to go outside, wear long sleeves, pants, a hat, and sunglasses to keep pollen off your skin and out of your hair and eyes. If you are doing fall yard work like raking or mowing, which can stir up pollen and mold — wear a protective face mask.
• Remove pollen: One of the best ways to minimize your allergen exposure is to wash pollen off your skin and your hair as soon as possible after spending time outside

Have additional questions about how to enjoy this fall season without suffering from watery, itchy eyes? Call us and schedule an appointment TODAY to fall in love with your eyes. We would be happy to give you more information and tips on how to prevent your fall allergy symptoms from flaring up and affecting your eyesight.