Relief from allergy and hayfever eyes

About Allergies

An allergy or allergic reaction describes an overreaction by your body's immune system (natural defence system) to something that is normally harmless. When you come into contact with it, your body treats it as an 'invader' and reacts by releasing chemicals called histamines.

Causes of allergic reaction

The release of these histamines triggers an allergic reaction, symptoms of which can include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Sore, itchy, swollen or watery eyes
• Itchy or sore nose and throat

You may have an allergic reaction to a food or to an airborne substance. Common airborne allergies include:

• Mould
• Dust mites
• Animals (animal dander—the animal equivalent of dandruff)
• Pollen (hayfever)
• Spores (hayfever)

Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops can provide fast, effective relief from sore. Itchy and watery eyes caused by airborne allergies in as little as two minutes. Always read the label.

Tips for reducing exposure to airborne allergies

Make sure rooms are vacuumed regularly—including sofas and soft furnishings as well as carpets. Use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter if possible. As vacuuming and dusting might aggravate your allergy, you could ask someone else to do the work for you! Always read the label.

Mould

• Clean away visible mould, pay special attention to fridges, and regularly air cupboards
• Keep your house—especially bathrooms—well ventilated to prevent mould growth
• Avoid damper environments, like cellars

Dust mites

• Dust with a damp cloth to trap dust particles
• Where possible choose hard surfaces—hardwood or laminate floors instead of carpets; blinds instead of curtains—as textiles tend to trap more dust
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly, and consider a dust-reducing mattress cover

Animals

• Try to keep pets outside as much as possible. If they come inside, limit them to specific areas, preferably ones that don't have carpets, sofas etc.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms
• Wash pets often
• Plan ahead—if you're visiting a friend with a pet, and think you are likely to suffer allergy symptoms, ask them to keep it at a distance, and don't forget your Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops
• If your child suffers an allergy to furred animals, why not choose a fish or reptile as a pet?

Pollen and fungal spores

Click here to find out about preventing hayfever symptoms.

March 2017 SAGB.OPT.17.02.0108