Eye Care and Allergy Season
Follow These Tips from St. Charles Vision to Keep Eyes Happy and Healthy This Spring
More than 50 million people worldwide suffer from allergies. In South Louisiana, the humidity and high pollen count mean a lot of us suffer from springtime allergies associated with mold and other environmental factors.
Dr. James McGuinness of St. Charles Vision says the allergies can cause a battery of eye-related issues, from red, itchy, watery eyes to the development of conjunctivitis. But there are some steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort during allergy season, he says.
“On days where the pollen count is especially high, try to limit your outdoor activities. Keep doors and windows closed and use your air conditioner, making sure to clean the filter often. Also, fight the temptation to rub your eyes. Though rubbing may provide temporary relief from the itching, it causes further inflammation of the eye and will only prolong your allergy attack,” says Dr. McGuinness.
Surprisingly, combining fashion and form can actually help during allergy season, says Dr. McGuinness. “Trendy and stylish wraparound sunglasses cover the sides of your eyes and can help prevent allergens from reaching them,” he says.
Contact Lens wearers face special challenges during allergy season. “Allergies make eyes hypersensitive. For contact wearers, the feeling is intensified,” says Dr. McGuinness. “Contact Lens wearers can prevent discomfort by keeping contacts as clean as possible. There are also many types of contacts on the market designed especially for patients with allergies and other eye sensitivities,” he says. “Also, for more severe allergies, optometrists can prescribe medicated daily drops for both contact wearers and non-contact wearers alike,” he says.
Locally-owned St. Charles Vision, with seven locations in the Greater New Orleans area, has helped the people of the region feel better, see better and look better since 1976. Known as contact lens specialists, they provide top-of-the-line service at quality, affordable prices. St. Charles Vision also has the largest selection of designer eyewear in the area. To schedule an appointment or to find the location nearest you, visit www.stcharlesvision.com
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