How to deal with eye allergies during pollen season? A guide for working (and non-working) people
Pollen season for many of us means not only beautiful flowering trees and fresh air, but also.... red eyes, itching, tearing and difficulty focusing on daily tasks. Inhalant allergies, especially those manifesting in the eyes, are affecting an increasing percentage of the population - both children and adults, including active individuals. In the world of work, where many tasks require precision, looking at a screen, participating in online meetings or giving presentations, vision problems caused by allergies can be a serious handicap. So how can we effectively deal with eye allergies during this demanding time?
- Itching and burning of the eyes
- Redness of the conjunctiva
- A feeling of sand under the eyelids
- Excessive tearing
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Photophobia
What can be done? Effective strategies for dealing with eye allergies:
1. Keeping track of the pollen calendar and planning activities
Checking pollen messages daily allows you to plan your day to limit contact with allergens. On days with high concentrations, it's a good idea to forgo outdoor activities, especially in the morning and in windy weather.
2. Hygiene is the basis
When you return home - washing your hands and face, rinsing your eyes with water or saline, and changing your clothes help reduce allergens. Bedding and towels are worth washing more often than usual - preferably at a high temperature.
3. Artificial tears and antihistamine drops
Artificial tears moisten and flush allergens from the eye, while over-the-counter antihistamine drops relieve inflammation. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe steroid drops - but their use requires supervision by a specialist.
4. Sunglasses and mechanical protection
When walking, wear glasses with side shields - they protect your eyes not only from the sun, but also from pollen. It is also worth considering corrective glasses with anti-allergenic coating.
5. Avoid rubbing your eyes
Although it's difficult - rubbing your eyes aggravates symptoms and increases the risk of infection. Instead - use cold compresses or eye rinses to relieve itching.
At work - how to take care of yourself and others?
- Follow eye ergonomics: take regular breaks (e.g., 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), blink frequently and moisturize your eyes.
- Monitor positioning: the monitor should be slightly below the line of sight - this reduces tear film evaporation.
- Humidifiers: especially with air conditioning, dry air makes allergy symptoms worse.
- Inform the team: if you have exacerbated symptoms, it's worth letting your supervisor know - it may be possible to work from home or arrange an allergy-friendly space.
- It's worth investing in office air purifiers.
- Ensure a proper cleaning schedule - regular vacuuming and airing is not only a comfort, but also a preventive health measure.
- Include seasonal health problems in HR policies - flexibility towards people with allergies is an expression of empathy and concern for the well-being of the team.
- A healthy diet rich in antioxidants (vit. C, E, beta-carotene)
- Probiotics - support the gut and immunity
- Sleep and recovery - a tired body reacts more strongly to allergens
- Physical activity - best on low pollen days or at the gym
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