The last 20 years have seen a major improvement in eye technology, yet there are an estimated 285 million people worldwide who suffer from various eye conditions. According to a recent WHO study, approximately 39 million of these people are blind whilst others have low vision. Taking proper care of your eyes and having regular eye examinations are decisions only you can make and there is no better time to prioritise eye health than on World Sight Day (8 October 2015) and during National Eye Care Awareness Month from 21 September to 18 October 2015.
Andre Horn, senior optometrist and managing director of Mellins i-Style, a leading national chain of optometrists, has the following tips and information to encourage and support healthy vision.
How to treat spring eye allergies
In spring there are blossoming flowers and warmer weather to look forward to but for many people it means dreading the allergens that cause red, itchy, watering and swollen eyes.
What triggers eye allergies?
Dust, animal hair and food particles in the air are common allergy culprits. In spring however, pollen is one of the leading allergy-triggers. It’s a fine powder released from seed plants that usually cause hay fever (a condition with similar symptoms to a cold) and can lead to eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye – the inflammation of the white outer surface of the eye and inner lining of the eyelids.
How do I know if I am allergic to pollen?
Place some pollen on your skin and lightly scratch it into the skin’s surface. If after 20 minutes there is a reaction, have your skin assessed by a medical professional to see if it is an actual allergic reaction, how severe it is and how it can be treated.
DIY tips for minimising exposure to pollen
Clean your spectacles often. Try to use lens wipes or lens spray with no artificial cleaning ingredients.
- If you find pollen affecting you in your home, hang up wet towels indoors to help capture pollen floating in the air.
- Tackle some chores and vacuum your carpets or consider replacing old carpet and rugs with contemporary wooden or laminate floors and tiles.
- Wash your face and rinse your eyes more often and wash your hair regularly to get rid of excess pollen.
- Change your outfit in the bathroom. The humidity from the shower, basins etc. will prevent pollen from floating in the air.
- Have your vehicle’s ventilation system fitted with a filter to keep pollen from entering the vehicle.
For more eye care tips and advice visit
www.mellins.co.za
