Spring has arrived, and with it longer days, lighter wardrobes…and for many of us, itchy and watery eyes.

At Monocle, we love this time of year, our new window display celebrates everything fresh, colourful and full of life. But if your eyes are feeling less than comfortable, hay fever could be the reason.

Why does hay fever affect your eyes?

Hay fever is caused by pollen, tiny particles released by trees, grasses and flowers. When pollen comes into contact with your eyes, your body reacts as if it’s under attack.

This can lead to:

·       Itching

·       Redness

·       Watery eyes

·       Puffiness around the eyelids

In simple terms, your eyes are trying to “flush out” the pollen, which is why they can feel irritated and constantly teary.

Simple ways to soothe your eyes

A few small changes can make a big difference:

·       Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from pollen

·       Avoid rubbing your eyes (even though it’s tempting)

·       Wash hands and face and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen

·       Do not dry your laundry outdoors, as pollen gets trapped in the fabric

·       Use a cold compress to calm irritation

·       Consider antihistamine eye drops for relief from the pharmacy

If symptoms are persistent, it’s always worth speaking to your optician or pharmacist.

A fresh look for spring

Just as nature changes in spring, it’s a great time to refresh your eyewear. Our latest window display is inspired by the season, light textures, soft colours and frames that feel fresh as the air outside (even if your eyes disagree!).

Feel free to pop in to explore the collection or simply have a chat, we’re always happy to help you see (and feel) your best this spring.