A Pembroke Dock opticians is providing advice on how hay fever sufferers can treat symptoms and care for their eyes as part of Allergy Awareness Week (April 28 - May 4). Hay fever affects a staggering 20 per cent of the UK population, and is most common in children and teenagers. It can be a particular nuisance to contact lens and glasses wearers, who develop itchy, sore and red eyes as pollen counts rise, and Specsavers on Dimond Street is urging parents and carers to take small steps to help beat the symptoms. The hay fever season reaches its peak between May and July - coinciding with the main school and university exam period. While often dismissed as a trivial problem, hay fever can disturb sleep, affect concentration and cause people to miss school or work. It has also been shown to have a real impact on children's exam results. This can be an extra burden for young sufferers, making it even more important to be prepared. Gary Owen, director of Specsavers in Pembroke Dock, said: "With the hay fever season now approaching, symptoms such as streaming eyes, sneezing and runny noses are set to skyrocket. These can be a real distraction for children and young people who are sitting exams but, thankfully, there are simple steps that parents and carers can take to help children beat their symptoms and be fully focused. "Try to limit your child's exposure to pollen, especially on days where pollen counts are high. The highest levels occur between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm, so it may be best to stay indoors during these times. When you are out and about, wraparound glasses or sunglasses can help keep pollen out of their eyes. "Some drops and medications can take two or three weeks to be fully effective, so if you know your child is a sufferer it is worth starting treatment a little before the hay fever season starts. "Importantly, sufferers mustn't rub or scratch their eyes. While symptoms can be very frustrating, this will only increase the irritation."