Common Eye Conditions

Hayfever & Allergies

What is it?

An allergy is an abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances which cause a reaction of the immune system in the body leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes and rashes.

25% of the UK population suffer from hayfever and the number of people diagnosed has trebled over the last three decades.

Hayfever is caused by a specific allergy to pollen and like other contact allergies it can make your eyes feel very itchy and uncomfortable. There are different types of pollen and you can be allergic to any or all of them. The different types are present at different times of the year which explains why the onset of suffering can vary between people. The most common pollen for triggering hayfever is grass pollen - 90% of hayfever sufferers are allergic to this type. The bad news for hayfever sufferers is the pollen season is gradually starting earlier every year, and lasting longer too.

What are the main causes?

Hayfever and other allergies are commonly triggered by:

• Pollen (highest between April and September in the UK)
• House Mites (even in clean houses!)
• Pet hair

What are the symptoms?

Your eyes may feel itchy and watery, and look red and inflamed. You should consult a doctor or pharmacist to confirm whether you have an allergy and to find out what triggers it.

Hayfever symptoms are often worse amongst young people and peak between the ages of 20 and 30.

What can I do about it?

Optrex Allergy Eye Drops

Optrex Allergy Eye Drops soothe & prevent itchy, allergy eyes. Use Optrex Allergy Eye Drops (as directed on the leaflet) before and throughout the high pollen season (usually April to Sept) to help avoid hayfever symptoms. (Do not use for more than three consecutive months without consulting your doctor).

(Optrex Allergy Eye Drops contain sodium cromoglicate. Always read the product pack and leaflet.)

Optrex Itchy Eye Drops

Optrex Itchy Eye Drops, which contain natural plant extracts, help relieve irritation caused by pollen. They work by flushing out allergens such as pollens that cause hayfever. Formulated with purified water and natural plant extracts, these drops gently cleanse the eye surface to wash pollen and other allergenic particles away, providing gentle relief from the irritation they cause to allergic eyes. They are suitable for everyday use.

Top Tips:

• If you have an identified allergy, take action to help protect your eyes before symptoms occur by using Optrex Allergy Eye Drops. The drops help prevent the body's reaction to the pollen and therefore help prevent your symptoms occurring in the first place!
• Bathing the eyes with a cold flannel can help ease the symptoms
• Try and avoid the cause of the allergy as much as possible eg wear wrap around sunglasses during the hayfever season
• If you wear contact lenses generally it is better to avoid wearing the lenses again until symptoms have gone.

Want to know more?

Find out more about Optrex Allergy Eye Drops here

Not Sure? Click here to use our solution finder and find out what Optrex product may be most suitable for your needs

Always read the label