Spring is in full swing here in St Albans—the trees are in blossom, the birds are chirping, and for many of us, the pollen is pummelling. Hayfever season can be a beautiful nightmare, especially for your eyes. If you’ve found yourself rubbing red, itchy eyes more than usual, you’re not alone. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by hayfever, and one of the most common symptoms is allergic conjunctivitis.
So, what can you do to protect your peepers when the pollen count is high? Here are some eye-friendly tips to help you breeze through the season.
1. Keep It Clean
During hayfever season, pollen gets everywhere—on your clothes, your hands, even your eyelashes. Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. If your eyes are feeling irritated, try using a cool, damp cloth as a compress rather than giving them a scratch. It soothes the area and helps flush away allergens.
2. Sunglasses: More Than Just a Fashion Statement (and available with your full prescription from EYES on St Albans…)
Wearing wraparound sunglasses when you’re outdoors is a simple but effective way to protect your eyes from airborne pollen. They act as a barrier and can reduce the amount of pollen that makes direct contact with your eyes. We can advise on styles that can provide this coverage – and also help you find frames for indoor use that can still offer a degree of protection.
3. Eye Drops Are Your Friend
Over-the-counter anti-allergy eye drops can work wonders to relieve itching and redness. They help flush out pollen particles and soothe inflammation. If you’re unsure what kind to go for, pop in and ask us or consult your friendly local pharmacist.
4. Contact Lens Caution
If you wear contact lenses, you might find they get uncomfortable more quickly during hayfever season. Pollen can get trapped between the lens and the surface of your eye, which can make things worse. Consider switching to daily disposables if you’re not already using them (we can advise on this), or take a break and wear your glasses on high-pollen days.
5. Check the Pollen Forecast (it’s on the BBC weather app amongst many others!)
We check the weather—why not the pollen? On days when the count is high, try to stay indoors during peak hours (usually early morning and early evening), and keep windows closed when possible. If you’re venturing out for a walk around Verulamium Park, Heartwood ,Highfield or any of our other fabulous open spaces, do it when the count is lower to give your eyes a break.
6. Keep Up with Your Eye Examinations – we’ve said it before, we’ll say it again.
Hayfever symptoms can sometimes mask or mimic other eye conditions. If your eyes are persistently sore, red, or watery, it’s always worth booking an eye examination just to be sure. We can help distinguish between seasonal allergies and anything more serious.
EYES on Windows to the Soul
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