I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
The arrival of spring means more than just warmer temperatures and flowers blooming. It can be a tough time for your eyes. You can suffer from everything from dry eyes to runny eyes. If you struggle with eye problems during the spring, here are some ways you can protect your eyes throughout the season.
Switch to Eyeglasses
If you wear contact lenses, dealing with seasonal allergies will be complicated. The lenses do not cause you to have allergies, but they can exacerbate the situation. Wearing contacts allows for allergens, such as pollen, to become easily trapped near the surface of your eyes.
Managing your reaction to the allergens can be particularly challenging with the lenses on. For instance, if you experience itchiness, using eye drops to alleviate it will not be as effective as if you were not wearing the lenses.
To avoid this, spring is the time to switch to wearing eyeglasses. If you are inside most of the time, you might be able to wear the contacts on a part-time basis, but outside, you need to wear the eyeglasses.
Check the Outdoor Conditions
Before exiting your home, take the time to check the outdoor conditions. You might have to take extra precautions to avoid an allergic reaction. For instance, check out the pollen count report for your area. If the pollen count is predicted to be high, staying inside or limiting the amount of time you plan to be outdoors could be necessary.
You also need to pay attention to what is going on in your neighborhood before heading out. If your neighbor just mowed his or her lawn, there is a chance that pollen could be flying high in the air. Sitting outdoors could be out of the question for awhile.
See Your Eye Doctor
Despite your best efforts, it is possible that your eyes could cause you grief this spring. Many problems, such as itchiness and redness, are treatable with over-the-counter medications. However, if the problems persist or they interfere with your ability to function throughout the day, it is time to see your eye doctor.
For instance, if you are not getting relief from dry eyes with eyedrops, your eye doctor could prescribe artificial tears that are stronger than what you would find at the pharmacy. The doctor can also examine you to determine if there is another condition that is causing your dry eyes.
Your eyes do not have to suffer through spring. Consult with your eye doctor to find other ways to protect your eyes and treat any problems you have.
Share15 March 2017
