As we leave winter behind and head in to spring we start to look forward to warmer days spent outside, but if you suffer from hay fever this can be a nightmare season. Having hay fever can not only affect your nose and throat but also your eyes. Here I will go through some simple and easy tips to help you look after your eyes in this upcoming season.

• Sunglasses/glasses are a must at this time of year, they help stop pollen getting in to contact with your eyes and sunglasses have protection of preventing the sun irritated those already irritated eye. Try wraparound sunglasses for that extra defence against pollen.

• I know it is hard but try your best not to rub your eyes, this will release more histamine which will make your symptoms worse.

• Pollen is at its highest from about 10:30am to 3:30pm so try to avoid going out between these times.

• If you do go out during the day when the pollen count is high, when you return home have a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes. This will help stop pollen getting back in to the eyes even once you have returned home.

• Try using eyewashes or artificial tears to rinse your eyes if you find they still irritate once indoors.

• Cold compresses can help relieve puffiness and soreness related to hay fever eyes.

• Keep your car and home windows closed during those high pollen days.

• And lastly, if all else fails stay inside when the pollen count is high.

If you get hay fever that affects your eyes and you are still unsure what is the best option for you, make an appointment with your eye doctor or eye specialist so they can have a thorough look at your eyes. Your eye doctor will give you specific advice and might prescribe eye drops to stop your symptoms.