We have several weeks until springtime, but it’s important to prepare for what’s to come. That means spring clothing, maybe improving your exercise routine, and getting ready for allergy season. If you suffer from eye allergies, you know just how much they can ruin your day. That’s why skilled Harlingen, TX ophthalmologist Dr. Raul A. Peña offers ocular allergy testing before the spring.
Let’s take a moment to consider why spring eye allergies should be taken seriously and how we can identify triggers of allergic reactions. We’ll also go over some tips to manage and control eye allergies once the spring is around.
Springtime and Eye Allergies
New flowers bud, bloom, and grow during the lead up to spring. It’s a feast for the eyes in some ways, but also a pain in the eyes in others. Pollen levels increase in a major way, which means greater likelihood of eye allergies in the warmer months.
The most common signs and symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Red eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Swelling around the eyelids
- A gritty sensation in your eyes, like something is caught in them
Why You Should Get Tested for Eye Allergies
Preventative care and an understanding of your health issues are always ideal when it comes to matters such as eye allergies. By undergoing tests for ocular allergies, we can identify what kinds of pollen and substances will trigger an allergic reaction.
Our eye care team can use test results to determine the most ideal options for management and treatment should an allergic reaction occur. You can also plan ahead when visiting certain places, encountering various substances, or attending events if you know certain allergens will be in the area.
In short, ocular testing for allergies helps us and helps you deal with allergies before the spring has spring.
What Happens During an Ocular Allergy Test?
During an eye allergy test at our Harlingen office, patients can expect an eye exam and a discussion about the patient’s medical history and past issues with allergies. We can then safely expose you to small samples of common allergens to see if it prompts an allergic reaction. There will only be very mild discomfort during this test.
From this ocular allergy test, we can then provide guidance and tips accordingly based on what causes your eye allergies.
Treating and Managing Your Eye Allergies
When it comes to treating your eye allergies, we can offer advice on how to avoid them from happening and how to manage allergic reactions when they occur.
Some general tips for managing eye allergies include:
- Check pollen levels daily
- Avoid areas or situations in which eye allergens are present
- Avoid wearing contacts since they can make allergies worse and allergens can get stuck to them
- Use lubricating eye drops during eye allergy attacks
- Use medicated eye drops if recommended
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes
Further treatment and tips can be provided during your visit to the practice and a consultation.
Schedule an Ocular Allergy Test Before the Spring
If you want more information about eye tests for allergies and why they matter, be sure to contact our skilled team of eye doctors. You can reach Peña Eye Institute by phone in Harlingen at (956) 264-1200.
