How does hay fever affect your vision?
For people with hay fever, the pollen on Bonaire can be particularly challenging all year round. Exposure to pollen can cause irritation and inflammation in your eyes, nose, throat, and sinuses. This can be very uncomfortable and limiting when there is a high amount of pollen in the air.
Symptoms of hay fever
Symptoms of hay fever may include:
- Frequent sneezing
- Stuffy nose or runny nose
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy nose, ears, and throat
Allergy symptoms can also indicate other eye conditions, so it’s important to consult your general practitioner if the symptoms worsen or persist.
Common causes
Hay fever is a form of hypersensitivity. The immune system reacts negatively to substances that would normally be harmless, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
Treatment
There is no cure for hay fever, but you can reduce symptoms with medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Vaccination may also help.
It’s a good idea to monitor the pollen count throughout the year so you can take the necessary precautions. Wearing a well-fitting pair of glasses or sunglasses can also help reduce your eyes' exposure to pollen.
If you typically wear contact lenses, you may experience blurry vision and discomfort when you have hay fever. Try using contact lens-friendly eye drops, opt for daily lenses, or wear glasses when your eyes are affected by allergies.
Next Steps
We want to help you maintain clear vision and keep your eyes as healthy as possible. If we notice signs of eye conditions during your eye exam, we will recommend an eye health check-up.
%20(1).avif)