I don't know about you but one of the more annoying things about the summertime period are the allergies that come with it. For so many, the months May, June, July and August bring with them some unique challenges yearly. Pollen from grass, trees, and weeds are the main culprits as it is during this time the pollen count in the air is especially high. Unfortunately, even if someone decides to reduce their time outside, there is still the occurrence - and recurrence - of molds, dander, dust mites and even feathers; all allergens that are predominantly found indoors and many times not truly fixed to a season. One of the most affected body parts during this time are the eyes. These so-called 'windows to the soul', truly get exposed to some very harsh irritants daily and have to be given extra protection to keep them functioning normally. Eye allergies are normally a part of a vicious cycle. Underneath the top of the eyelids are a bunch of little cells, what are called mast cells, that hold histamine. When the pollen count is increased in the air, it triggers all the cells to burst, releasing histamines - triggering runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms resulting in extreme irritation. When eyes are rubbed, it simply bursts more and more of the cells - and so the cycle continues and continues every day for a few months, every single year. This is where allergy glasses and the like really can help those who are prone to be afflicted by what is commonly known as either seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) - normally brought on by the aforementioned outdoor trigger, pollen or perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) - more commonly associated with indoor irritants such as mold and dander. Both have similar symptoms and those that are solely depending on the origins of the triggers. How exactly do allergy glasses work? What are the other ways for someone to protect their eyes from common irritants?

How Many Ways Can The Eye Be Protected?

Allergy glasses could easily be branded as safety goggles as their designs certainly have aspects that intertwine. There are some glasses, however, that feature a gasket in their design. This gasket is attached behind the rims of the glasses. It is designed to rest comfortably around the eye sockets, acting as a barrier to stop pollen reaching the eyes. Additionally the gasket also protects the eyes from wind with filtered vents that block fine dust and pollen and keeps them moisturized. Silicon eye cups and air shields are other helpful accessories that help reduce getting direct access to the eyes. Most regular glasses frames leave too much room for allergens to find their way to eyes so shields for both the top and the sides offered by safety goggles will help prevent pollen and dust from reaching the naked eye. Wraparound glasses frames offer similar protection for people who need the extra help to survive the daily exposure to the elements that aggravate.

During the spring/summer seasons of high pollen counts, people should think about buying a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filter systems are good at allergens, such as pollen, dust and pet dander out of the home - and out of air to protect those sensitive eyes. These filters need to be changed regularly, however, if they are not they may be doing more harm than good. Install special doors and windows that will help keep the amount of pollen, and other potential eye irritants in the home low.

Personal hygiene could be the cheat code in protecting eyes from exposure to possible allergens. Exposure to dust mites, mold, dander and other similar allergy inducers could be significantly reduced by encasing your pillow in allergen reducing covers. Frequently washing sheets and showering, changing clothes and even washing hair can remove allergens before they have a chance to harm the eyes. Also

using a clothes dryer instead of hanging clothes outside as hanging clothes outside means that pollen has a chance to collect on them.

Use a dehumidifier in basements and other damp areas to keep moisture levels in an acceptable range to deter mold growth. Mold can grow in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. So special care has to be taken to make sure that there is proper ventilation in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement and similar areas to prevent mold growth. Mold produces mycotoxins which are cytotoxic (meaning they are toxic to cells). They also produce ketones, hydrocarbons, lactones, carboxylic acids, sulfur, nitrogen which also have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the eye. So safeguarding eyes from that is paramount.

Immunotherapy is a series of injections to improve a person's tolerance to allergens. This treatment helps the immune system be less sensitized to allergens and it should help the body guard itself from eye allergies. Treatment usually lasts several months. It involves injecting small amounts of allergens into a patient. As the treatment progresses the dosage of allergens are increased.

Extra protection for the eyes can also come in the form of eye drops. Artificial tears and tear substitutes used for dry eye syndrome keep eyes lubricated and help rinse away allergens while antihistamines prevent the release of histamine and other compounds that cause eyes to itch when suffering from an allergic reaction. Also trying a cold compress or cool tea bag could also help to soothe itchy eyes.

Unfortunately, sometimes the biggest danger to a person's eyes is themselves. Eye rubbing releases more histamine and makes allergy symptoms worse so the smart move would be not to rub eyes even if they are being bothersome and prickly. Cutting down contact lens usage and/or switching to daily disposable lenses should reduce the build-up of allergens in the eyes and especially because allergens can become trapped between the contact lens and the eye, causing direct contact with the allergen and extreme irritation.

If there have been problems with allergies in the past there is no harm in seeking professional help in order to better protect the eyes during times of possible irritation. See an optometrist before allergy season, to make sure the proper steps are in place to weather the storm - of pollen, dust and dander that will be coming along the way. Speaking with a naturopath about immune-boosting supplements, such as zinc and vitamin C as a preventative measure and consider natural remedies to reduce symptoms if there happens to be an allergy flare up.

And finally if there is a search for how to protect eyes from the aggravations of allergy season, people might want to familiarize themselves with pollen reports. Most people have a habit of checking the weather before they plan to be outside, but many forget that there are forecasts designed especially to alert the public when allergens are at their peak. A pollen forecast is a prediction of the pollen count in a particular area. This is usually based on general weather forecasts and pollen data from previous years. Critical knowledge for those who suffer greatly year to year.

Hopefully, these tips can help the 7 out of 10 sufferers of allergies who are regularly affected by eye irritation brought on by allergic conjunctivitis - no matter if it is seasonal or perennial. Unfortunately for most it is a constant fight however, there are tools to deal with the issue and hopefully relegate it to being a non factor in a person's life. If they follow the steps that works for them.