Eye Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Even before you see the sunny weather, blooming flowers, and green trees of spring, you may feel the onset of allergy eyes. Or perhaps you notice itchy, watery eyes after being around animals or working in dusty conditions.  

If you notice eye itching and redness, especially alongside a stuffy nose or sneezing, you may be experiencing allergies. Eye allergies are common, and they often happen along with nasal allergies.

Caused by allergens like pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander, itchy eyes from allergies can be uncomfortable and irritating.  

Understanding eye allergies and what you can do about them can help you take back control and feel better.  

What Are Allergies? 

Allergies happen when the body’s immune system thinks something is harmful and overreacts to it. The substances that the body reacts to are called allergens. The immune system makes antibodies against the allergen, which causes an allergic reaction.  

Allergens can include a variety of materials, such as: 

• Medications 

• Foods 

• Pollen 

• Pets 

• Insects 

• Mold 

What Are Eye Allergies? 

There are several types of eye allergies, but the most common are: 

• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: generally caused by airborne exposure to pollen. Symptoms come and go based on the time of year. 

• Perennial allergic conjunctivitis: can be caused by a variety of allergens, and it generally occurs year-round.  

Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of allergic reaction that has two phases: sensitization and effect. First, in the sensitization phase, your immune system sees the antigen (e.g., pollen), interprets it as harmful, and mounts a defense against it.  

In the effect phase, every subsequent exposure to that allergen causes your immune system to respond and release a cascade of chemicals from your immune cells. These chemicals cause the many symptoms associated with eye allergies.  

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Allergies 

Eye allergy symptoms can include:  

• Itchy eyes 

• Red or swollen eyes 

• Burning or tearing eyes 

• Light sensitivity 

Those with eye allergies often also experience nasal allergies, in which case they may notice these symptoms as well:

• Stuffy nose

• Sneezing

• Postnasal drip

• Itchy nose

How Allergies Affect the Eyes 

Allergies can have bothersome effects on the eyes.

In those with eye allergies, their immune system has been primed to perceive certain substances, like pollen, mold, or pet dander, as harmful. When that substance touches their eye, the immune system responds by releasing inflammatory chemicals from immune cells. This release of chemicals causes the symptoms of eye allergies: red, itchy, swollen, and watery eyes.  

Diagnosing Eye Allergies 

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with eye allergies, it’s a good idea to visit your VSP^® Vision Care network eye doctor for an evaluation.  

Your eye doctor will ask about your symptoms, when you experience them, and whether you have a family history of allergies. They will look at your eyes using a microscope and check for signs of allergies, such as swelling of the blood vessels, eyelids, or conjunctiva. They may also scrape a tiny sample off the surface of your eye and test it for white blood cells.  

How to Soothe Eye Allergies 

Are you wondering how to relieve itchy eyes? Management strategies can include lifestyle modifications as well as medications.  

Tips for Managing Eye Allergies 

You can make changes to your environment and lifestyle that can help reduce the number of allergens you come in contact with and lessen your symptoms.  

Here are a few itchy eyes home remedies that may be helpful:  

• Avoid allergens. Stay inside when you can, especially when pollen counts are high if you’re affected by seasonal allergies to pollen. Keep the windows in your home and car closed to help keep pollen and other allergens out of your home and car. You can also purchase air filters and purifiers to help cleanse the air in your home.  

• Reduce pet exposure. If you’re allergic to pet dander, wash your hands and clothes after touching animals. You may also want to replace carpet with smooth floors to prevent dander from getting trapped in the carpet.  

• Protect your eyes. When you go outside, wear glasses, sunglasses, or goggles to minimize irritants having direct contact with your eyes.  

• Keep everything clean. Shower before going to bed to remove pollen from your body. Wash your clothes after spending time outside and dry them inside rather than on an outdoor line. Clean your bedding, floors, and fabric furniture regularly to help remove pollen.  

• Reduce humidity. If you’re allergic to mold spores, keep the humidity in your house between 30 and 50 percent and use dehumidifiers in moist areas.  

• Don’t rub your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes (even though it may be tempting) when they are itchy and red from allergies, as this will only worsen your symptoms. 

• Remove contacts. 40% of contact lens wearers report itchy eyes due to allergies. Contact lenses can make allergies worse, so consider wearing your glasses during allergy season. If you need to continue wearing your contacts, ask your eye doctor about allergy eye drops for contacts and about switching to daily disposable contacts to help relieve symptoms.  

• Keep your eyes hydrated. Keep a container of artificial tears handy and use them often. These can add moisture and help relieve dry, itchy eyes. 

• Use cool compresses. A cool compress or ice pack over your eyes can help relieve discomfort.  

Find more tips in our blog post Eye Allergy Treatment Tips & Tricks.

Medications for Eye Allergies 

In addition to lifestyle modification, your eye doctor may recommend over-the-counter allergy eye drops or prescription eye drops or medications.  

Options may include: 

• Over-the-counter eye drops: There are several types of eye drops for allergies that can relieve mild eye symptoms. These may include antihistamine eye drops and vasoconstrictor eye drops. Some types of eye drops should not be used for extended periods, so talk with your eye doctor about what options are best if you’re experiencing symptoms for more than a couple of days.  

• Prescription medications: If the symptoms persist with over-the-counter options, you might need something stronger, such as prescription eye drops or oral medications. Visit your VSP network doctor to discuss if a prescription medication is right for you.  

Get Relief for Your Eyes

Don't suffer in silence this allergy season. If your eyes are causing you a lot of discomfort, contact your eye doctor. They can confirm the cause of your eye irritation is allergies and not an underlying health condition and discuss treatment options. 

Whether you wear contacts or glasses, your VSP network provider can help you find relief from allergy eyes. Find a provider near you and make an appointment today to take the first step toward healthy, happy eyes. 

This article previously appeared on VSP, Delta Dental of Tennessee’s DeltaVision partner.