Spring returns to the earth, grass grows and birds fly, everything revives, and the sun is shining. It is a good time for outings. Many people choose to go out and enjoy the beauty of nature during this season. However, for ophthalmologists, although spring outings are exciting, they also need to pay special attention to eye health.

1. Anti-allergic: The "gentle trap" of pollen catkins

Spring is the peak period for allergic conjunctivitis. Allergens such as pollen, catkins, dust mites, etc. that float in the air can easily cause discomfort symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, and tears.

suggestion:

1. Physical isolation: Wear goggles or pollen-resistant glasses with good sealing properties (recommended styles with protective design on the flanks) to reduce allergen contact.
2. Drug prevention: Before going outing in spring, consult an ophthalmologist. Those with allergic constitution can use anti-allergic eye drops 1-2 weeks in advance to avoid frequent rubbing of their eyes during attacks.
3. Cleaning at home: Rinse the conjunctiva sac with artificial tears in time after going out, replace the outer coat and clean the face to avoid allergen residues.
4. Anti-drying: The spring breeze blows on the face and hides the "water killer"

The spring monsoon is strong and dry, which can easily aggravate the symptoms of dry eyes. Long-term exposure to outdoors during outings may cause dry eyes, astringent eyes, foreign body sensation and even corneal epithelium damage.

suggestion:

1. Bring artificial tears with you: Choose small set of artificial tears without preservatives and drop them 1-2 times per hour to keep your eyes moist.
2. Be careful when wearing contact lenses: It is recommended to wear frame glasses. If you must use contact lenses, choose the daily throw type and shorten the wearing time to within 6 hours.
3. Windproof protective gear is indispensable: Wear windshields when riding or climbing to reduce the evaporation of tears.
4. Avoid strong light: UV protection should be used as early as possible

The ultraviolet intensity in spring can reach 60% of that in summer, and the surface reflection will double the damage to the eyes and increase the risk of pterygium and cataracts.

suggestion:

1. Choose the right sunglasses: Observe the polarizers marked by the UV400, which can effectively block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB, and gray lenses are more conducive to color recognition. Glaucoma patients avoid dark lenses (which may induce dilated pupils).
2. Key children's protection: Children under 6 years old have more fragile retina. It is recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat + professional children's sunglasses to further reduce the direct exposure of ultraviolet rays to the eyes.
3. Three "warning lines" for patients with special eye diseases
4. Glaucoma patients:

—Avoid long-term bowing to enjoy the flowers (may cause increased intraocular pressure)

—Use cold medicines containing ephedrine with caution (may induce acute attacks)

2. Diabetic patients:

—Test blood sugar before going outing to avoid bleeding from fundus

— Seek medical treatment immediately if you have deformed vision (beware of macular edema)

3. Highly myopic:

—Avoid bungee jumping, roller coaster and other intense activities (prevent retinal detachment)

—When you see a black shadow floating in front of you, you will feel obstructed by your vision, seek medical treatment in time

5. Accidental handling: Keep safety at critical moments
6. Foreign objects enter the eyes: Do not rub your eyes! Rinse with artificial tears or pure water in large quantities. If the foreign body sensation continues, you need to visit the hospital.
7. Plant scratches: After scratching the cornea by branches and grass leaves, close your eyes immediately to avoid compressing the eyeballs and go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible.
8. Chemical splashing: If pesticides or fertilizers splash into the eyes, immediately rinse with a lot of clean water for more than 15 minutes, and seek medical treatment while rinsing.

Warm reminder: If you experience symptoms such as continuous redness, blurred vision, eye pain and headache after returning from the outing, please go to the ophthalmology department in time. It is recommended that patients with chronic eye disease check for intraocular pressure, fundus and other items before traveling in spring, and prepare daily medicines so that your eyes can also enjoy a safe and pleasant spring trip. (Text/Gao Ran, chief physician of the Ophthalmology Center of Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital affiliated to Tsinghua University, reviewed/Liu Xuan, deputy chief physician)

[Editor in charge: Sun Hui]