Spring in New Jersey might be the most beautiful time in the Garden State, especially in northern counties such as Morris and Essex County. The sun starts to shine, the trees and flowers bloom, and everyone is ready to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, spring also brings some of the most severe allergies in New Jersey that affect the eyes and other parts of the body.
Allergy symptoms for the eyes are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. Like all physical symptoms, for allergies in New Jersey and elsewhere, the eyes experience a misfiring of the immune system. The body is overreacting to what should otherwise be benign substance.
When your eyes experience an allergic reaction, the blood vessels in your eyes swell, causing redness, tearing, and itching. Other symptoms can include swollen eyelids, burning sensations, and sensitivity to light.
The verdant beauty of seasonal trees and flowers comes with a sacrifice – a heavy dose of pollen in the air. The bad news is it’s getting worse. Springfield, NJ Allergist Dr. Leonard Bielory told nj.com that pollen levels are increasing as annual temperatures and CO2 levels rise. This means more plants have time to grow and disperse their pollen. So, what plants are going to be making allergy sufferers the most miserable in Morris County and Essex County this year?
Oak (Multiple Varieties)
Ash (Multiple Varieties)
Willow (Multiple Varieties)
Maple
Mulberry
Hickory (Multiple Varieties)
Eastern Red – Cedar
Eastern Poison-Ivy
Annual Ragweed
Field Horsetail
Great Ragweed
Pennsylvania Pellitory
Rape
Common Timothy
Large Sweet Vernal Grass
Spreading Bent
Your favorite dog or cat goes through spring changes as well! After spending the fall season building up their winter coats to stay warm, the signs of the warmer months will start to tell your pet’s biology to start shedding that excess fur.
Pet dander technically derives itself from the dead skin cells they shed, just like humans. But allergens in dander also attach themselves on pet hair, as well as saliva during grooming. Because of the added hair that’s being shed, allergens are spreading at a greater rate in the spring season than during colder months.
Unfortunately, for those that are allergic to dust mites, there is no true break from the bane of these critters. Humans are actually not allergic to the bugs themselves; it is their fecal matter that contains an enzyme which triggers allergy symptoms in certain individuals.
These microscopic nuisances are a year-round frustration, but don’t be surprised if your allergies become worse during the spring. Dust mites prefer high humidity paired with temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the high rain months for cities such as Newark, NJ – March through July – are going to be a breeding ground for dust mites and their waste.
Molds live everywhere. Unlike plants or animals, they reproduce and grow through their spores travelling through the air. When people that are allergic to these different fungi inhale the spores into their sinuses or lungs, a variety of unpleasant symptoms can be experienced.
While mold spores are most prevalent during July through the fall in New Jersey, spring does bring an increase of molds that thrive on humidity or live amongst newly sprouting plants.
Minimizing the eye symptoms of allergies is consistent with other allergy symptoms. Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Take allergy medicine – often nasal allergy medication will have a positive effect on the eyes as well. If necessary, Marano Eye Care can provide a personal treatment plan to provide relief from your symptoms.
Want more advice? Check out our previous article on spring allergy solutions.
Marano Eye Care treats each patient on a personal basis. No person is exactly the same, so no treatment plan should be either! If you’re having seasonal eye allergies in New Jersey or need to come in for a complete eye exam, contact us today and call us at 973-322-0100.
