Request an
Appointment
Form

Quick Appointment Form

How Pollen Affects Your Eyes

April 11, 2023

Pollen is a powdery substance that seed plants produce. It floats through the air during the spring and summer months, sometimes coating cars and windows, but often going undetected — except by those who suffer from allergies. If you have a pollen sensitivity, the weather turning warm might call a rather dismal reality to mind, one where your eyes itch, burn, and dry out just at the thought of venturing outside. 

Fortunately, if your eyes are sensitive to pollen, you can still enjoy all the beauty that spring has to offer without suffering the symptoms. Here’s a closer look at what exactly pollen does and how you can lessen its effects. 
 

What does pollen do to my eyes?

In some people, overexposure to pollen causes a histamine release. This is when the immune system detects pollen and assumes it’s an allergen trying to do terrible things to your body, so your system releases a chemical known as histamine to fend it off. In reality, pollen is harmless, but the histamine released by your body can cause symptoms like burning and itching eyes. 
 

How can I reduce the effect of pollen? 

Since pollen is so prevalent during certain times of the year, you may feel miserable thinking that you need to lock yourself inside your home to avoid the uncomfortable allergic symptoms, but that’s not the case. Here are some ways you can keep your eyes comfortable.

  • When you go outside, check the pollen count. If possible, limit your time outside when the pollen count is especially high.

  • If you wear contacts, swap them for glasses. Contact lenses can further agitate your eyes and trap pollen. 

  • Before leaving the house, put on long sleeves and sunglasses to help keep pollen off your skin and out of your eyes.

  • If you have A/C in your car, roll up your windows so that your air filter can protect you from some of the pollen outside.

  • Replace your filters in your car and home with HEPA filters if you can. If you don’t have a ventilation system in your home, try a floor-standing air filter, which might double as a fan or heater.

  • If your eyes are painful, itchy, or dry, ask your doctor about eye drops. Be mindful of over-the-counter products as using them for more than a week can actually make matters worse! 

If your allergies are really starting to get the best of you, it might be time to ask your doctor about allergy shots or oral antihistamines that you can take to help prevent the immune response in the first place. There are also some home remedies you can try to keep allergies at bay. 
 

Is pollen bad for my vision? 

While eye-related allergies might feel uncomfortable, they are not harmful to your vision in the long-run. However, if you are scratching at your eyes or rubbing them a lot because of your symptoms, that can impact eye health and make your eyes feel worse. 

The best thing you can do to keep your eyes feeling healthy year-round is to speak to your eye doctor about preventative methods, eye drops, and eyewear to help your eyes stay protected and healthy no matter what the season brings.  Visit your nearest Vision Center South optometrist for a comprehensive exam and expert advice on all things vision care!

Roya1234 none 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm Closed Closed optometrist # # # # https://meetmarlo.com/shop/00u4bju7jaRbsJ0X6297 https://denney.myclstore.com/ https://denney.myclstore.com/ https://denney.myclstore.com/ 121 St. Joseph Ave. Brewton, AL 36426 2518673635 607 Boll Weevil Cir #C Enterprise, AL 36330 3343476599 4340 Lafayette Street Marianna, FL 32446 8504822336 2826 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 102 Dothan, AL 36301 3347932633