Q: Since I moved to Central Oregon my eyes start itching and watering around the end of March. Antihistamines for my allergies help but I’m still miserable. Is there anything else I can do?

A: Central Oregon is on the edge of one of the largest Juniper Forests in the world. Unfortunately, Juniper pollen, which usually starts around the end of March, is a strong allergen for many people. The season often lasts six weeks or more. Systemic antihistamines may reduce the eye symptoms of itching, swelling and watering eyes, but often they do not. In this case your eye doctor needs to prescribe one of the prescription eye drops that are specific for allergies. These drops are very effective, but must be used for the entire allergy season. Also, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions. Many patients fail to relieve their symptoms because they do not use the medication as directed.

If you have a sudden onset of floaters, see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Q: Every year in the spring my eyes get red, puffy and itchy. What’s the best way to get relief?

A: Ocular allergies are very common, particularly in the spring. Here in Central Oregon, pollen from juniper and various grasses and weeds is a common and severe cause of eye discomfort. Other causes include pets, especially cats, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes and chemicals in cosmetics and soaps.

The first treatment is to remove the irritating pollen or chemical. If the cause is pollen and the symptoms are mild, artificial tears may provide relief by washing out the cause. In more severe cases we treat patients with a variety of prescription eye drops that are very effective. Avoid the “get the red out..” eye drops, since many cause a secondary dry eye which increases symptoms later. In any event, start treatment early before the reaction gets severe and it will be more easily controlled.

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