I’m a pharmacist – here’s 7 ways to cure your hay fever eyes

POLLEN bomb got your eyes feeling dry, itchy and irritated?

Hussain Abdeh, clinical director and superintendent pharmacist at , explains how to keep angry red hay fever eyes at bay:

1

1. TRIGGER UNHAPPY

AS any seasoned hay fever sufferer will know, pollen makes the blood vessels in your eyes swell up. 

“If you have hay fever, your body mistakes pollen for a harmful product, so releases a chemical called histamine - it’s released naturally when you come into contact with an allergy trigger - which causes your eyes to water or itch uncontrollably.”

2. WRAP UP

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“Wear sunglasses,” says Hussain. “This will minimise the risk of pollen particles coming into contact with your eyes.”

Wraparound ones will shield your peepers best.

3. DROP IN

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TOO late for sunnies? 

“You can buy eye drops from pharmacies, which contain an antihistamine medicine to treat the effects of hay fever on the eyes. 

“These eye drops will help to reduce the inflammation and relieve soreness and itching.”

Over-the-counter antihistamine tablets can also provide a little relief.

4. ALOE ALOE

IF your eyes feel like they’re on fire, grab a cold compress. 

“Placing a damp washcloth or piece of kitchen paper across closed eyes a few times a day for around five minutes can help ease soreness and reduce any swelling,” says Hussain.

“Aloe vera is also a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. 

“Mix aloe vera gel with cold water. Dip a cotton wool pad in the mixture and place on each eye for around ten minutes.”

An eye mask that you can stick in the freezer can also work a treat.

5. NO CONTACT

WHATEVER you do, don’t give in to the itch.

“Scratching may provide very temporary relief, but the reality is it will only aggravate the problem, making your eyes even redder and more irritated.”

Avoid contact lenses too. “Contact lenses will only increase irritation and make things even more uncomfortable.”

6. TIME IT RIGHT

YOU can try and work around the pollen count, which peaks midmorning and late evening.

“If you don’t need to go outdoors on days with high pollen counts, don’t,” says Hussain. 

“Keep the windows and doors closed and avoid hanging washing outside to dry. 

“Damp clothes are practically a magnet for pollen particles to be collected on, which can cause irritation to your eyes.”

He also says to shower the second you get back indoors, to wash any pollen off, and stick the clothes you had on in the washing machine. 

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EYE drops, cold compresses and antihistamines not making a jot of difference? 

See your GP.  “If your symptoms seem to be getting progressively worse, you should also see your doctor.”