Spring is coming and so are the pollens. How to fight against these grains that do not wish you any good? The answers with allergist Edouard Seve.
Every year, it’s the same thing. The joy of finally welcoming spring is accompanied by a terrible anxiety: that of the invasion of pollen which, if you are allergic, will inevitably transform your eyes into balls of irritated tears. So, like everyone else, you’re going to get scratched. “But you shouldn’t”, immediately specifies Dr Edouard Seve, allergist. “The more you rub, the more it itches.” Very good, but what to do?
Protect your eyes
First of all, Prevention is better than cure. The first thing to do is therefore to avoid contact between pollen and your eyes as much as possible. “If you wear prescription glasses, now is not the time to take them off.” indicates the allergist. “But sunglasses also work, especially as the sunny days arrive. And if you garden and are therefore particularly exposed to pollen – especially if you use the mower – you can wear protective glasses, which can be found in DIY stores.
Furthermore, and even if the sun invites you to do so, it is necessary “to avoid going outside. But obviously, sometimes you won’t have a choice. Fortunately, other solutions exist, especially when the damage has already been done.
Washes and eye drops
“Simple eye washes with water and physiological soap can get rid of irritating pollen,” explains the expert. “But there are also antihistamine treatments in the form of eye drops which can also provide relief. A few drops once or twice a day are enough, and you can use them at any age.”
How to get these special eye drops? “On prescription. You can ask your ophthalmologist, your general practitioner or your allergist if you are being followed.” answers Dr. Seve. Do not hesitate to anticipate crises : once again, caution is the mother of safety.