Spring allergies or chronic dry eyes?

Allergens, or allergic conjunctivitis, a ects more than 20% of the American population and can irritate the eyes or their surrounding areas. On the other hand, dry eyes a ect tear production and the tear lm, which keeps the surface of the eye clean to avoid infection and provide nourishment. Common symptoms between the two include dryness, excessive watering, sensitivity to light, burning sensations and the feeling as though a foreign body is in the eye.

Where they di er is the amount of itchiness experienced. An allergy are up can be distinguished by

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GUEST COLUMN intense itching and swelling, two symptoms that are not as common in chronic dry eyes. Common allergens known to cause this kind of irritation to those who are sensitive include certain foods, latex, medications, mold, pets and pollen. ere are several remedies available to help those who su er from allergic conjunctivitis:

Be aware of the medications you are taking. Prescriptions designed

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com to help treat allergies have been known to dry out the tear lm, thus leading to dry eye symptoms.

Arti cial tears (eye drops) have been proven to be an e ective way to lessen symptoms and provide relief to the a ected areas. Tip: Some eye drops contain preservatives that have been linked to causing more irritation over time, so experts suggest requesting preservative-free drops to avoid further complications. Always check with your doctor for the best options available.

Close windows and doors during months of high pollination to prevent allergens from settling into your house.

RUTH DANIELS Advertising & Sales rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com

KRISTEN FIORE West Metro Editor kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE Community Editor olove@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Use an air puri er to capture any allergens that may have been introduced to your home.

Wash your hands frequently after interaction with pets or animals you have a known allergy to. Wear sunglasses when outside to prevent allergens from contacting your eyes.

David Lito , MD, serves as the Chief Medical O cer for ICON Eyecare. Dr. Lito is a corneal specialist and surgeon specializing in both cataract surgery and refractive surgery. He has been with Kaiser Permanente since 1999 as a corneal specialist and general ophthalmologist.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this annual observance hits close to home for me, as a former single parent resident of Warren Village.

Warren Village is a Denver-based nonpro t organization that helps low-income, single-parent families achieve sustainable personal and economic self-su ciency. I moved in with my 4-year-old daughter in August of 2019, hoping to build a new life after leaving a domestic violence situation. Little did I know that this decision would not only provide me with a ordable housing and education opportunities, but also vital mental health services.

Before coming to Warren Village, I had already earned a certi cate in medical assisting, but was struggling to make ends meet. I saw the nonpro t as an opportunity to not only continue my education and pay low rent, but also access a range of services such as career development, housing and personal nance, child development and, of course, mental health

It was just before COVID-19 struck that I began meeting with Pam, a counselor at Warren Village. In response to the pandemic, we shifted to virtual sessions. Despite the challenges, this counseling proved to be life-changing for me. I was diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD, and being able to work with a professional to organize my thoughts and feelings was a game-changer. to prioritize your mental well-being. e recent pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, but particularly those who were already struggling with psychological issues.

Since leaving Warren Village, I now own a home and possess the necessary resilience and coping skills to prioritize other aspects of my life, such as decorating my new house and providing my daughter with quality possessions without relying on government aid. I consider myself lucky to continue receiving help from Pam through regular counseling sessions, and I will always be appreciative to Warren Village for facilitating this connection.

So I urge all of us to take the time this month to focus on our mental health and well-being. It is not always easy to prioritize ourselves, but it is crucial to living a healthy and ful lling life. Seek help now instead of potentially having problems compound over time.

Let us remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and work towards ending the stigma and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.