Just like any other form of eye allergies, a seasonal allergy is a medical condition. An allergy occurs when your body reacts to an external environmental factor during any seasonal periods. It mainly happens when trees and plants are pollinating. If you have had one, then you should realize that seasonal allergy has a tremendous negative effect on your eyesight. It can cause your eyes to turn red, watery, and itchy. 

In medical terms, these conditions are known as allergic conjunctivitis. Several other allergens that can cause redness and itch are smoke, pollen, and dust. The effect of these allergens is not the same, but it varies from one to another. The severity of the effect is directly proportional to your immune system. For example, something that may cause itchy eyes for you, may not affect someone else with a different immune system. 

If you are planning cataract surgery in Los Angeles, it is always advised to treat any underlying allergies first for better cataract and refractive outcomes. The science behind allergies is interesting. If something is regarded as dangerous by the eye, a chemical response is elicited, which results in soreness, redness, and itchiness in your eyes. 

Below are further details about how seasonal allergies affect your eyes:

The effect of allergens vary from person to person, but there is a general way in which everybody reacts. Following are some of the obvious symptoms that reveal a person is suffering from eye allergy:

Teary eyes

Tears play a critical role to keep our eyes lubricated and assist them to wash away dust and foreign particles. Glands located under the skin of eyes produce tears that contain salt and water. Tears keep our eyes moist each time we blink our eyes. Since eyes consider substances like pollens, smoke, and dust as harmful to the eyes, there is an automatic release of water to clean the eyes. It is basically a defense mechanism against foreign items. 

Swollen eyes

Once a foreign particle enters your eyes, it is natural to want to scratch and feel itchy. Due to continuous scratching, your eyelids skin would become swollen due to the friction. 

Dry eyes

There are many reasons why your eyes turn dry. Eye dryness is all too common during the winter season. This kind of allergy is not due to pollen or dust, but because of chilly season and snow. This condition turns eyes dry, which leads to redness and soreness. 

You might also experience eye dryness after cataract surgery.  It is fairly common, but don’t worry about the condition as it will disappear in time. If not, consult with your cataract surgeon in Los Angeles for him to prescribe eye drops to relieve the symptoms.  

Itchy eyes

Allergens can end up in your eyes at a time as they are carried by air every time. An instant reaction to these allergens may cause your eyes to get irritated inside out. When this happens, it creates an urge to scratch eyes to have some relief. 

Red eyes

It is a condition where you will see the white part of the eye has become reddened. However, the intensity of the redness may vary significantly. It may look like there are some red or pink lines on the entire sclera, or the whole sclera may appear diffusely red or pink. 

Often this condition is accompanied by several symptoms including swollen or itchy eyes. In some severe conditions, the capillaries inside your eyes may also become red. 

Severe eye conditions that often cause red eyes to include:

• Eye infections
• Recent eye surgery (LASIK, cosmetic eye surgery, etc.)
• Eye trauma or injury – seek medical attention
• Uveitis
• Acute
• Corneal ulcer

How to prevent eye allergies 

Since allergens are carried by air, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them entirely. However, there are lots of things that you can do to minimize the chances of being exposed to allergens. 

One of the first precautions to stay indoors during the windy days because during those days, there is an abundance of allergens in the air while you go out to wear sunglasses, which ensures adequate coverage for your eyes.

While you work in your yard, wear pollen masks, or wear a pair of sunglasses that can help protect your eyes. 

Treatment 

Every time you suffer from allergy, be sure to stay hydrated and consult your doctor if the symptoms become severe. To avoid any serious complications, avoid scratching your eyes.