~It’s Allergy Season~
Some studies show that pollen seasons are getting longer and more intense across the country. Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can help with allergy symptoms.
We’ve all read labels on over-the-counter cold and allergy medications that say ‘do not take if you have glaucoma.’ It really depends on which type of glaucoma you have. Antihistamines and decongestants generally have no effect on open-angle glaucoma — the most common form of the disease. But people with closed-angle glaucoma, also called narrow-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma, should avoid or use them with caution. That is because one of the side effects can be the enlargement (dilation) of the pupil which in rare instances can cause an acute glaucoma attack in individuals whose anterior chamber angles are anatomically narrow. It may take some trial and error to find the best medication regimen. Patients should talk to their doctor about options.
And here are two general anti-pollen tips. Pollen tends to be highest between early morning and mid-morning, as well as on hot, dry, windy days. Plan your exercise or errands accordingly. If you are prone to allergy symptoms and have to go out in the morning, or do yardwork – wear a high-quality N95 mask which will help filter out pollen.