For many people, autumn is associated with lower temperatures, the start of the academic year and changing weather conditions. However, for people with seasonal allergies, September can still be a period when symptoms are active.

This is particularly true for allergies to weed pollen. In Ukraine, during the second half of summer and early autumn, the main sources of allergenic pollen are ragweed and wormwood. Ragweed can flower from August until the end of October, while in southern regions, the pollen season can sometimes last even longer.

In September, pollen from plants in the amaranth family and some grasses may also remain in the air. From the second half of the month, fungal spores, particularly Alternaria, may become increasingly significant.

ALLERGIES MAY CAUSE MORE THAN JUST A RUNNY NOSE

One of the most common eye-related manifestations of seasonal allergy is allergic conjunctivitis.

Pollen and other allergens can cause:

• itchy and irritated eyes;
• redness;
• watery eyes;
• swollen eyelids;
• a burning sensation or feeling of ‘grit’ in the eyes;
• increased sensitivity to light.

Severe itching is particularly characteristic of allergic eye disease. However, similar symptoms can also occur with other eye conditions, so it is important to establish the correct cause of the symptoms.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL IN SEPTEMBER?

For people living in southern regions of Ukraine, including the Odesa region, September can remain an active period of exposure to ragweed and other weed pollen. Therefore, the onset of itching, redness, watery eyes or swollen eyelids during this period may be associated with seasonal allergy.

At the same time, the range of allergens changes as autumn approaches. During the second half of September, fungal spores may become increasingly important.

HOW CAN YOU MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF ALLERGENS?

If you know you are prone to seasonal allergies, during the peak pollen season you should:

Minimise contact with pollen

• where possible, avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors when pollen levels are high;
• take particular care in windy weather;
• when working in the garden or around the home, wear glasses that provide some protection for the eyes from contact with pollen.

After returning from outdoors

• wash your hands and face;
• wash your hair or take a shower after spending a long time outdoors;
• change your clothes;
• avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.

Do not rub your eyes

Even when the itching is very strong, rubbing the eyes can increase irritation and inflammation.

WHAT IF SYMPTOMS HAVE ALREADY APPEARED?

Do not choose eye drops on your own, especially medicines containing corticosteroids.

Treatment depends on the nature of the symptoms and their cause. An ophthalmologist may recommend appropriate anti-allergy medicines or other topical treatments.

For people who wear contact lenses, it may be advisable to temporarily switch to glasses during a flare-up of symptoms. This should be discussed with a doctor.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST?

You should consult a specialist if:

• the symptoms do not go away or recur regularly;
• you experience pain in your eyes;
• your vision becomes worse;
• you experience significant sensitivity to light;
• you have develop purulent discharge;
• eyelid swelling is significant or rapidly becomes worse.

It is important to remember that not every case of redness and watery eyes is caused by an allergy. Such symptoms may accompany infectious, inflammatory and other eye conditions.

EYE HEALTH REQUIRES ATTENTION ALL YEAR ROUND

Seasonal allergies can have a significant impact on comfort and quality of life. However, correct diagnosis and timely care can help control their symptoms.

Specialists at the SI “V.P. Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of the NAMS of Ukraine emphasise that if you experience new or persistent eye symptoms, you should not self-medicate. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist in good time to establish the true cause of the problems.

Taking good care of your eye health, undergoing regular check-ups and seeking professional help in good time are essential for preserving your eyesight.