What's Triggering Your Eye Allergies?

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to ignore annoying and uncomfortable symptoms of eye allergies. Identifying the triggers of your eye allergies is crucial for managing your symptoms. At Bainbridge Eye Care in the Norwood neighborhood of Bronx, New York City, we understand the impact of eye allergies on your well-being. 

With over 20 years of experience, Nicanor Lacsina, O.D., and Yelena Pinkhasova, O.D., and our dedicated team are committed to helping you identify and manage your specific allergens. 

In this blog post, we explore common triggers of eye allergies and provide helpful tips for minimizing their impact on your eye health.

Pollen

Pollen, a common allergen during spring and fall, can wreak havoc on your eyes. At Bainbridge Eye Care, our knowledgeable professionals can help you understand the local pollen seasons in the Bronx and develop strategies to minimize exposure. By keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, using air purifiers, and wearing sunglasses (another layer of protection against airborne allergens), you can reduce your exposure to pollen.

Tip: You can always check the pollen count on weather apps or listen to local news stations for weather and pollen updates.

Pet dander

Pet dander is another common eye allergy. Living with pets while dealing with allergies can be frustrating, but there are effective strategies to reduce exposure. For example, you can establish pet-free zones in your home. Many pet parents find that making their bedroom a pet-free zone helps maintain a harmonious environment with their furry companions.

Additionally, regularly grooming your pets can help reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.

Dust mites and mold spores

Dust mites and mold spores are common allergens that can cause eye irritation. With our expertise, we can offer tailored recommendations for reducing exposure to dust mites and mold spores. 

By implementing preventive measures like regular cleaning, maintaining optimal humidity levels, and employing effective air filtration methods, you can create a healthier living space for your family. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also suggests removing excess moisture in your home by fixing any leaks, using exhaust fans in the bathroom, running your air conditioner when it’s hot and humid, and adjusting the humidifier based on the outdoor air temperature. 

Environmental irritants and chemicals

Cigarette smoke, chemical cleaners, and even fragrances can contribute to eye allergies. If you suspect you are allergic to a chemical or environmental irritant, try removing the irritation from your environment. 

How we can help you manage your eye allergies 

How you manage your eye allergies depends on what specific allergens bother you. You might consider adding another grooming session to your dog’s schedule if you’re allergic to pet dander, or you might focus on improving your indoor air quality if you’re bothered by dust mites or mold. 

The key is to identify what triggers you have. Our team can help you identify the specific triggers of your eye allergies and create a personalized treatment plan that may include: 

We also offer immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help provide lasting relief from your allergies. If you need relief from eye allergies, call us at 718-306-9127 or book an appointment online.

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