Spring is in the Air… and So is the Pollen! Hayfever Tips from Your Local Opticians

Ah, springtime! The sun is shining (most days), the blossom is in full bloom, and everything just feels a bit more cheerful. But for hayfever sufferers? Not so much. That same lovely blossom is a telltale sign that pollen season has well and truly arrived—and for many people, that means the sniffles, itchy eyes, and constant sneezing are back with a vengeance.

If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling gritty, red, itchy, or watery lately, hayfever could well be the culprit. These are classic symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, which often goes hand-in-hand with seasonal hayfever. It’s your body’s way of reacting to pollen in the air—especially tree and grass pollen, which are most active in the spring and early summer.

Other common hayfever symptoms include:

• Sneezing fits

• Runny or blocked nose

• Itchy throat or ears

• General feeling of being a bit ‘meh’

So, what can you do to manage hayfever symptoms?

Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help keep things under control:

1. Keep your windows closed

Tempting as it is to let the fresh air in, keeping your windows shut—especially in the morning and evening when pollen counts are highest—can really help.

2. Sunglasses are your best friend

Not just a fashion statement! A good pair of wraparound sunglasses can act as a barrier, protecting your eyes from pollen particles.

3. Don’t rub your eyes

We know, it’s hard! But rubbing can make things worse. Instead, try using a cool compress or lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation.

4. Try hayfever eyelid wipes

Gentle wipes, like those from The Eye Doctor range, can help remove pollen from around your eyelids and lashes. Keeping that area clean makes a big difference in reducing symptoms—especially before bed or after being outside.

5. Try a barrier balm

Applying a pollen barrier balm around your nostrils and eyes can help reduce the amount of pollen that enters your system. These balms act like a protective shield and can be especially helpful on high pollen count days. You can usually find them in pharmacies or online.

6. Wash your hands often

Pollen sticks to everything—including your hands! Washing them frequently (especially before touching your face or eyes) can help avoid spreading allergens around.

7. Shower and change clothes after being outdoors

Pollen loves to cling to hair, skin, and clothes. A quick shower and fresh outfit can help stop it from following you around indoors.

8. Consider over-the-counter remedies

Antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays can all be helpful—but do check with your pharmacist to find what’s best for you.

Contact lens wearers—take note!

Hayfever can be especially frustrating for those who wear contact lenses, as pollen and allergens can cling to the lens surface. If you suffer from allergies, switching to daily disposable lenses—where suitable—can make a big difference. Wearing a fresh pair each day reduces the buildup of allergens and may help keep your eyes feeling more comfortable.

If you wear reusable lenses, be extra thorough with cleaning and always follow the advice of your optometrist. If your eyes are feeling particularly irritated, it may even be worth taking a short break from lenses during peak pollen season.

Still struggling? Let us help.

If your eyes are persistently red, sore, or just not improving with home remedies, don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your optometrist, pharmacist, or GP for tailored advice. We’re here to help you feel more comfortable, especially when your eyes are trying to enjoy the beauty of spring—without all the itch!

Pop in and see us if you’d like to try hayfever eyelid wipes, discuss lens options, or just have a chat about what might work for you. We’re always happy to help.