How to Fight Top Summer Allergies
Sneezing. Watery eyes. Itching. Lots of itching—including feeling like you want to scratch your eyes out they itch so bad. Now that we’re in the heat of summer, some of us are realizing that summer allergies can be just as intense for allergy sufferers as spring or fall.
April showers and May’s bloom produce blooms and pollen that is often gone by late spring. In addition to late blooming plants, grasses and weeds can wreak havoc on your health.
Ragweed, Pigweed, Sagebrush, Tumbleweed, Bermuda and other grasses all are the likely culprits if summer time is when your sneezing and itching intensifies.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and allergy medicines can help manage your summer allergies. Talk to an allergist if your symptoms become intolerable. You can also try some of these tips to lessen the effects of your summer allergies.
Take a Shower Every Night
This will help remove the allergens from your skin and hair so you don’t breathe them in all night while you sleep. If you forget to take a shower, change your pillow case and sheets the next day so the allergens don’t accumulate in your bedding.
Always Wear Sunglasses
This is not only a good strategy for allergies, but also for protecting your eyes from sun damage. It’s a lot harder for allergens to get into your eyes if you always keep them covered.
Wear Your Glasses
If you regularly wear contact lenses and your eyes are not happy because of allergies in the air, take a break from your lenses and wear your glasses. While on your contact lens break, consider talking to your America’s Best optometrist about prescription eye drops to help relieve allergy symptoms in your eyes.
Keep it Indoors on Windy Days
Check your local pollen counts, and consider playing inside if the wind is blowing and counts are high. Allergies can make us miserable, so give your system a break if you can. If you have grass allergies, try to avoid going outside while others are mowing or wear a bandana or scarf over your nose and mouth.
Don’t forget, Your Optometrist Can Help
If you’re struggling with watery or itchy eyes make sure to schedule an appointment with your America’s Best optometrist. If you wear contact lenses, ask about which lenses are best for people with summer allergies. And, talk to the friendly staff at America’s Best about which sunglasses will offer you the most protection during allergy season.
