Hayfever
- By James Evans
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- 10 Jan, 2023
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Grass pollen season has just started, here are some tips for you!
What is Hayfever?
Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergy to pollen, dust or mould. It produces cold-like symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness.
What causes Hayfever?
Hayfever is caused by an allergic reaction to certain airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. When these allergens come into contact with the lining of the nose and eyes, the immune system overreacts, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
How does hay fever impact the eyes?
The classic sore eye associated with hayfever is called allergic conjunctivitis (to learn more about conjunctivitis, click here). This is an umbrella term for issues with the clear membrane covering the whites of the eyes and the eyelids. It can be rather unpleasant, but does not pose a risk to your vision. The itching sensation you feel is caused by pollen landing in the eye which leads to the release of histamine in turn irritating the nerve endings. The eyes become bloodshot because the blood vessels dilate and swell to fight off the irritant.
My vision is blurry!
Do not fear, this is very common. The blurriness you feel is associated with watery eyes. The tear ducts produce excess fluid to flush out the pollen, which can sometimes result in a thick gooey substance causing your vision to deteriorate temporarily. Try using a cold compress to ease the irritation, and if your symptoms persist book an appointment with us by following this link.
Will Hayfever go away?
From the start of Spring to the end of Summer hayfever sufferers will need to be extra vigilant. From late March until the middle of May, tree pollen peaks. From the middle of May until July, grass pollen peaks. And from the end of June until September, weed pollen is at its peak.
As 95% of hay ever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, mid-May to July is the ‘peak time’ for hay ever. Unfortunately there is no cure, you just need to be extra vigilant and apply preventative measures. These include:
Take over the counter antihistamines.
Cut down on drinking alcohol during the summer months. It contains histamine, a chemical that promotes allergic reactions.
Keep your eyelids clean with the lid wipes available at our practice.
Take artificial tear drops to help flush out the pollen if your eyes are particularly irritated. You can find these at our practice too.
If you have any questions or concerns, call our practice to book an appointment by following the attached link.
We were honoured to once again be part of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Awards this year—a vibrant celebration of local enterprise, innovation, and community spirit. For the third time, we joined fellow businesses from across the borough to recognise the outstanding contributions being made to our local economy and community.
This year's event was particularly special for the Care Optics family. We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Green Business Award, a recognition that speaks to our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do.
The highlight of the evening was seeing our very own Director receive the prestigious Businessman of the Year award. This is an incredible honour and a powerful testament to his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to both our company and the community we serve.
A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s successes build on a proud history of recognition from the Chamber of Commerce. Our team’s dedication to excellence has been consistently acknowledged, and we are humbled by the commendations we've received over the years, including:
- Business of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Employer of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Training, Developing and Supporting Education (Winner, 2023)
- The Judges’ Award (2024)
- Customer Service
- Charity and Community Impact
- Innovation through the Use of Digital Media
Each award and nomination is a reflection of our team's collective hard work and our mission to deliver exceptional care and service. We believe a strong business is built on a foundation of community support, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the evening. We are inspired to be in the company of such incredible local businesses and look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and celebration within Barking and Dagenham.
As parents, we want to give our children every possible advantage—from a great education to a healthy diet and a safe environment. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their eye health. And when it comes to children’s vision, Myopia—commonly known as short-sightedness—is becoming more common than ever. At Care Optics, we specialise in Myopia Control, helping children maintain clearer vision and a brighter future.
Let’s explore what Myopia is, how to spot it in your child, and the amazing ways we can help manage and slow its progression.
Here at Care Optics, with our friendly teams in both Woodford and Dagenham, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to bring to your eyewear experience. And let me tell you, we're absolutely buzzing to announce our newest arrival: the revolutionary Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses!
Imagine seamlessly blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. Well, stop imagining, because these incredible glasses are here, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them to you. Get ready to step into the future of eyewear!
