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Eyes and Allergies in the Spring

Posted by: Northwest Eye in News on March 7, 2023

Q&A with a Comprehensive Eye Care Specialist

Dr. Emily Hutchins is one of our comprehensive eye care specialists at Northwest Eye. She joined Northwest Eye in 2022 and practices in our Golden Valley, St. Anthony, and Wayzata locations.

With spring just around the corner, Be Eye Wise and join us for a Q&A with Dr. Hutchins on the topic of eye allergies in the spring.

What steps can be taken to reduce exposure to allergens that cause eye allergies?

Sunglasses are a great tool to protect eyes from UV light rays while also serving as a shield against airborne allergens when outdoors. When indoors, keep your windows closed during high pollen periods and wash your hands before touching around your eyes or face. If you are a monthly or two-week replacement contact lens wearer, consider switching to daily replacement lenses to reduce the buildup of allergens on your contacts. High-quality, preservative free artificial tears may be used after spending time outdoors to rinse out allergens. Lastly, cleaning eyelids before bed helps remove any allergen build up that may have occurred throughout the day.

Can eye drops help relieve eye allergies, and if so, what types of eye drops are recommended?

Using over-the-counter antihistamine drops such as Pataday, Lastacaft, or Zaditor may help relieve mild to moderate ocular allergies. Specially formulated “allergy” eyelid wipes are also available over the counter and are a great tool to clean all four eyelids during allergy season.

When are eye allergies severe enough to require attention from an eye doctor?

If your eyes do not respond to any over-the-counter products and become uncomfortable, painful, or blurry it is time to make an appointment with your eye doctor. Prescription drops or steroid medications may be required to calm down the inflammatory response.

How can I tell if my eye redness and itching are caused by allergies or another eye condition?

The hallmark symptoms of ocular allergies are redness, itchiness, and tearing. It is appropriate to seek out attention from your eye doctor if you are feeling any pain, experiencing any loss of vision, or if you have any concerns.

Get Eye Allergy Relief Today: Schedule an Eye Exam

Dr. Hutchins is accepting new patients and is excited to provide routine and comprehensive eye care at of our Golden Valley, St. Anthony, and Wayzata locations.


locations

Serving Our Community

With six locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, Northwest Eye is among the largest eye care providers in the Midwest. Be Eye Wise and schedule a general eye exam or a specific service consultation today. We have optical  at the following offices:  Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, St. Anthony, and Wayzata, MN.

8501 Golden Valley Rd.,
Suite 100 & 200
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Additional Golden Valley Information
12501 Whitewater Drive, Suite 110
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Additional Minnetonka (Crosstown) Information
12000 Elm Creek Blvd N., Suite 100
Maple Grove, MN 55369
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6060 Clearwater Dr., Suite 150
Minnetonka, MN 55343

Please note:
***This office will be moving to our new Crosstown location on January 1.**
New Location:
12501 Whitewater Drive, Suite 110
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Additional Minnetonka Information
2601 39th Ave NE., Suite 1
St. Anthony, MN 55421
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250 Central Ave N., Suites 105 & 107, Optical Suite 106
Wayzata, MN 55391
Additional Wayzata Information
7125 Tamarack Rd, Suite 150,
Woodbury, MN 55125
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11091 Ulysses St NE., Suite 400
Blaine, MN 55434
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9801 Dupont Ave S., Suite 100
Bloomington, MN 55431
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10709 Wayzata Blvd., Suites 100 & 120
Minnetonka, MN 55305
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