Spring Allergies and Your Eyes: How to Find Relief on Kauai

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It’s springtime! This time of year may have you finding your eyes itchy, watery, or gritty.

Even on Kaua'i, shifting trade winds, blooming tropicals, mold spores, and vog can all trigger eye allergies.

Here's what's happening and what actually helps to relieve your allergies.

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Why It Happens

Your immune system mistakes something harmless such as pollen, dust, dander for a threat and releases histamine. 

That's what causes the itching, redness, watering, puffy lids, and light sensitivity. 

If it itches, it could likely be allergies!

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What Helps at Home

• Don't rub your eyes. It feels good for a few seconds, but ultimately makes your eyes worse. Instead, rinse your eyes with cool water or artificial tears instead.
• Cool compress. A cold washcloth over closed eyes for 5–10 minutes is a fast way to get relief and reduce swelling.
• Keep your contacts clean. Contact lenses can trap allergens against your eye. Make sure to keep your contact lenses clean, store them in a clean case, and change them out as scheduled.
• Wash your face before bed. Make sure to keep your face and areas surrounding your eyes clean before going to bed, otherwise irritants can find their way back into your eyes overnight.

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When to Come See Us

If you are experiencing symptoms that last longer than a week, you have actual pain in the eyes and not just irritation, or are experiencing blurred vision and abnormal discharges please reach out for a comprehensive eye examination.

Give us a call at (808) 278-8383 or click the link below to Schedule An Appointment and one of our friendly and professional staff will get you scheduled at your earliest convenience.

We look forward to SEEing you soon!