Allergic conjunctivitis due to pollen

During the hay fever season, many people suffer eye irritation due to an allergic reaction to pollen, often called "red eye".

Typical symptoms include itchy, gritty eyes, that water more often than normal, and inflamed eyelids. The sufferer's eyes and eyelids look red and inflamed.

The level of irritation varies on the individual and their level of sensitivity to different types of pollen, but it is most common when the grass pollen count is at its highest and can be very incapacitating. It will certainly reduce the individual's enjoyment of being outdoors in spring and summer, and may seriously impair their performance at work and when sitting summer examinations.

If you can prevent the allergen that is causing the irritation from entering your eyes, the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis will normally be quickly reduced. One of the most effective ways to protect your eyes is to wear hay fever glasses to block the pollen.

Other effective ways to block pollen

HayMax allergen barrier balm is another drug-free method of reducing the pollen from entering your body and causing irritation.

It is applied to the nostrils and bones of the eyes and has been proven in research trials to trap more than a third of pollen before it gets in, where it could cause a reaction. It has also been proven to trap dust and pet allergens.