The flowering season gives not only the joy of admiring beauty, but also adds problems. This applies to those who are prone to allergies. What to do when tears run down the river, says the doctor of the highest category, ophthalmologist of the clinic "New Vision" Tatiana Kostyuk.

Why does this happen at the same time

To be precise – at the same time of year or season. This is due to the protective reaction of the body to the ingress of foreign particles into it – dust, pollen, fungal spores and domestic and outdoor mold.

In our latitudes, the most common causative agents of hay fever are poplar fluff and pollen – buds of birch, alder, linden, as well as meadow grasses, flowers and weeds.

Therefore, given the flowering periods, three types (pores) of seasonal allergies can be distinguished:

  • spring-summer, lasting from May to July, when fruit trees bloom;

  • summer (June – July) – time of riot of meadow grasses and cereals;

  • summer-autumn (August – October) – the season of active growth of weed plants and the spread of mold fungi.

According to statistics, the number of allergy sufferers in Ukraine is growing every year, especially among urban residents. This is due to the fact that pollen, mixing with dust, exhaust gases and other harmful substances, becomes a more aggressive allergen. Just remember the flame-engulfed peatlands near Kiev, which poison the air from year to year. Consequently, smog is an additional factor that causes the appearance of hay fever.

Does seasonal allergy affect vision?

Ophthalmologist Tatiana Kostyuk notes: "The disease affects the condition of the eyes more. Although, when a person feels discomfort, he has tearing, his vision becomes blurry. However, these are short-term symptoms, as soon as they disappear, vision is restored."

However, in the case of hay fever, there is a risk of joining other diseases. For example, conjunctivitis or bacterial infections due to dirty hands that reach for the eyes to scratch. That is why it is important for the period of allergies to strictly observe hygiene, often wash hands, rinse eyes and nose, do not touch the eyelids. And avoid applying makeup.

Those who have poor eyesight – myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism – and wear soft contact lenses will have to give them up during allergies. There are two alternatives here – switch to glasses or one-day lenses. This will already be determined by the optometrist.

What to do with seasonal allergies

If signs of hay fever appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Discomfort can be resolved with drugs, but it is important to start therapy on time.

If you suffer from this seasonal illness every year and know what exactly you are allergic to, it is better not to hesitate and start treatment before the plants bloom and symptoms appear - two to three weeks in advance. Prepare the body in advance, because many antiallergic drugs have a cumulative effect.

Those who suffer from hay fever for the first time should pass allergy tests to identify which plants provoke the disease.

The most common method of dealing with seasonal allergies is antihistamines. Tablets, syrups, eye drops, hormonal sprays for the throat and nose alleviate the condition during the flowering period.

Key tips during the flowering season:

  • refrain from walking in the morning and on windy days;

  • it is better to walk near water bodies;

  • effectively be in a room with air-conditioned air;

  • ventilate the room in the evening when the concentration of pollen is minimal, or after rain;

  • often do wet cleaning at home;

  • wear sunglasses outside;

  • Returning home, take a shower, monitor hand hygiene.

"It is very important to use eye drops, moisturize them to further protect against allergens," says the doctor. – And also – with special ophthalmic wipes to wipe the eyelids with them in the morning and evening. Only drops should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist after examining the patient."

And finally, the specialist added that prolonged stress can also provoke allergic reactions. So, let's maintain psychological health and start therapy in a timely manner.

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