Yes, eye masks do help to some extent. The tear is also a defence mechanism that works together with blinking to rinse the eye’s exterior and gets extraneous bodies out like particles of dust and pollen out of the eye.
However, inflammation in the eyes is a normal reaction of the body only in response to dangerous microorganisms. An allergic reaction to pollen is a sign that something’s wrong with the immune system. Pollen should not trigger inflammation because it is not dangerous to the eye.
In case of itchy, sore, swollen eyes due to hay fever, soak thick cotton pads or washcloth in bearable hot water, then remove the excess water and place it on your closed eyes. Rest for 10 to 15 mins with the eye pads on or as long as you like. Just make sure you do not let the eye pad go completely cold. If they do get cold, change the pad if you want to stay with them longer.
Eye masks bought from the market or the above one will only give you temporary relief from itchy and swollen eyes.
It is crucial to know that pollen isn’t a cause for hay fever but only a trigger. Based on the perspective of an ancient medicine system Ayurveda, Hay fever is a symptom of the saturated dry cough/phlegm in the lungs that gets triggered by pollen in the air, animal fur and dust.
