27/04/2026
Sun+heat= flowers+ grass cutting + pollen + hay-fever 😩. We understand how debilitating itchy, puffy, watery eyes can be and we want to help. Here are some non- medicated hints, tips and products that can help.
1. Wear sunglasses when out and about. These act as a barrier helping prevent allergens entering the eyes. They will also help with associated light sensitive, especially if your sunglasses are polarised 😎.
2. Tie loose hair back as your hair can also trap allergens contribute to the allergic load close to the eyes.
3. Change your pillowcase daily, again to decrease the chances of secondary exposure to allergens from your hair.
4. Keep a cool eye pack in the freezer. Applied to throbby inflamed eyes, the cool temperatures constrict blood flow to the eye lids thus slowing down your body's response to allergen exposure. It's your body's response that gives the uncomfortable symptoms. We have options in the practice from and and would be happy to advise.
5. Use a preservative free, non medicated eye drop or spray such as Thealoz duo or Zaspray. Often those of use prone to hay-fever are also more likely to be allergic to preservatives. Also, if we are likely to have to use a product for a prolonged period of weeks rather than days, preservative free is always recommended. Zaspray contains Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate and lubricate your eyes as well as Perilla seed extract to help with the itch. Better still, you can spray it through closed eyelids!
6. Use preservative free, gentle lid cleansing wipes such as Blephaclean lid wipes from .ie. Mild enough to use from ages 3 months old, these help remove pollen trapped in your lashes. Used daily, they can be very effective at decreasing the allergen load in the ocular area.
We have lots of products in the practice to help keep you happy in the great outdoors this Summer. Our Optometrists would be happy to advise on what would suit you and your family best.
