3 Lesser Known Culprits Of Eye Allergies

The springtime takes all of the blame for red, puffy and runny eyes, but other irritants can be responsible for the discomfort, as well. Pollen is not the only culprit guilty of causing your eyes to itch or dry out. Explore common vices that you use year-round, not knowing they may be contributing to your eye allergies, and learn ways to combat them.  

Bedding and Bugs

Bed bugs may be your biggest fear when turning in for the night, but dust mites can be as much of a nuisance as well. The source of your eye irritation could be a direct result of the pillow hugging and snuggling that goes on at night. As you sleep and rub your face back and forth against your beloved pillow, dust mites infiltrate your space. They feed off dead skin cells and release allergens within their fecal matter.

Frequent changing of sheets, especially during the humid, allergy season, reduces the presence of dust mites. Do not fail to neglect the cleanliness of your bedspread either. Routine washing keeps those irritable bugs from transferring from your used duvet cover to your freshly changed sheets and pillowcases. Allergy-proof pillowcases and mattress coverings also minimize the presence of dust mites.

Misbehaving Makeup

Ladies, do you ever tear up midday while wearing makeup but not sure why?

Just as you may be allergic to certain foods or pollen, your body could have adverse effects to chemical components as well. The chemical makeup of cosmetics can cause irritation to your skin, especially sensitive areas such as your eyes. 

Look for natural-based cosmetics and avoid synthetic components that remove your skin's natural protectant, sebum, which prevents your eyes from breathing properly.  A thorough cleansing to remove makeup reduces the chance of eyeliner, mascara or shadow being leftover and causing irritation overnight while you sleep.

Men can benefit from midday and before bedtime facial cleanings as well. Washing your face after exercising or any type of work performed outdoors removes potential allergens. Doing so will not allow leftover pollen or dust to sit on the fine hairs of your face and promote irritation throughout the remainder of the day or overnight.

Proper Contact Care

Continuous wear contact lenses provide the great benefit of sleeping then waking with corrected vision without having to reach for a pair of eyeglasses. The convenience of not having to fumble with constant removal and inserting is provided by extended wear contacts as well. But if you are not properly cleaning or applying your contacts, you could be promoting an allergy-laden environment.

Ensure that you are wearing the correct type of contact lenses—those specially made for extended wear. These contacts promote the flow of oxygen around your eyes and allow them to breathe properly. As you blink, the passage of air and your natural tear production washes away dust and potential allergens. Routinely changing your contacts prevents allergens from being trapped between the lenses and your cornea.

The presence of pollen is not always the cause of eye allergies. Pay close attention to the things that come in close contact to your eyes and face. They can be the very things that are causing such discomfort. Be proactive and protect your eyes even during daily practices.   


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