Eye Irritation

Eye Irritation Overview

If you see someone suffering from allergies, you expect them to sneeze and have a runny or stuffy nose. That’s not always the case. Allergies are not only limited to the nose, but they also show their symptoms in the eyes. Swollen, itchy, and red eyes, followed by eye irritation, are often seen in people who are sensitive to some specific allergens. These allergens may be pollens from various plants due to the change in seasons resulting in seasonal allergies.

Besides pollen, indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites and mold, and irritants such as smoke and perfume, can also cause eye symptoms (ACAAI). Eye allergy triggered by outdoor pollen and mold is called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), and it is by far the most common type of eye allergy (ACAAI).

Symptoms

Seasonal eye allergy symptoms come and go with pollen seasons, usually in spring, summer and fall depending on the plants in your area. Typical symptoms include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes

People with SAC may also notice dark circles (known as allergic shiners) under their eyes. Eyelids may get swollen and puffy that may be sensitive to sunlight. The signs of SAC frequently accompany runny nose, nasal sneezing, and congestion related to hay fever and other seasonal allergies.

The itching can be intense, but rubbing the eyes makes symptoms worse and can irritate the eye further.

Perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) is an eye irritation that shows signs similar to those of SAC, but they are usually milder. They are caused by allergies to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, or other household allergens instead of pollen.

Causes

When an outdoor allergen such as pollen gets intact with the body of a person who is sensitive to it, the body’s immune system overreacts, and antibodies attached to the mast cells of the eyes contacts with the allergen and respond by releasing histamine and other chemicals and substances that cause the minor blood vessels in the eyes to leak and eyes become itchy, watery and red.

Some of the common allergens that cause eye irritation due to seasonal allergies are:

1. Birch pollen: This pollen is a common allergen in the spring and may cause eye irritation in people allergic to it.
2. Oak pollen: Oaktree also send pollen in the air in spring
3. Grass pollen: Grass pollen is common in the summer months. 
4. Ragweed pollen: the most common weed allergen, most active from late summer into fall (ACAAI).

Managing Seasonal Allergy Eye Irritation

Individuals who know their allergens should try to keep themselves away from those allergens in those particular seasons. Avoid triggers by changing your routine and surrounding.

• Keep windows closed when the pollen content is higher during the spring and summer season. Try using an air conditioner at home and car.
• Wear sunglasses or protective glasses to avoid contact of pollens with eyes.
• Limit time outdoors when pollen counts are high, and shower and change clothes after being outside.

Treatment

Seasonal allergies can sometimes be unavoidable and cause various discomforts, but some minor symptoms can be treated at home:

• Apply a cool compress to soothe itching and swelling.
• Use artificial tears: lubricating drops can temporarily rinse allergens from the eye and soothe irritation. Chilling them may add comfort.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can make itching and redness worse.

Some symptoms can be controlled by using over the counter medications such as:

• Decongestant eyedrops: reduce redness by narrowing blood vessels in the eye. Don’t use eyedrops for “red eye” longer than a week, or they can make things worse (ACAAI). People with glaucoma should ask a doctor before using them.
• Oral antihistamines: can help eye itching, but they may dry your eyes and make symptoms worse (ACAAI). Some older ones cause drowsiness.

Medical Treatment

Prescription medication recommended by your allergist may be more effective that may contain;

• Antihistamine eyedrops: relieve itching, redness and swelling quickly. Some are available over the counter.
• Mast cell stabilizer eyedrops: help prevent the release of histamine. They work best when started before you are exposed to the allergen.
• Combination eyedrops: some drops contain both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer to relieve and prevent symptoms.
• Corticosteroid eyedrops: used short-term for severe symptoms, only with a prescription and under an eye doctor’s supervision, because long-term use can raise the risk of glaucoma, cataracts and infection.
• NSAID eyedrops: can relieve itching; they may sting briefly when applied.
• Nonsedating oral antihistamines: can help, but may also dry the eyes (ACAAI).
• Immunotherapy: if medicines and avoidance aren’t enough, allergy shots or tablets can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over 3 to 5 years and may give lasting relief (Mayo Clinic).

Conclusion

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the eye side of hay fever. It happens when pollen reaches the surface of the eye and triggers an allergic reaction, causing redness, itching and swelling of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye). It can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medicines. See a doctor for eye pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light or thick discharge, which can signal another eye problem (ACAAI).

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Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (November 16, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Eye Allergy FAQs

How do I know if my eye irritation is allergies?

Itching is the hallmark, usually with redness, burning and clear, watery discharge, often alongside sneezing (ACAAI).

Can I use redness-relief drops every day?

Don’t use them longer than a week, or redness can get worse (ACAAI).

Do allergy pills help itchy eyes?

They can, but they may dry the eyes (ACAAI).

When should I see a doctor?

For eye pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, thick discharge or symptoms that don’t improve.

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