Eye Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment
Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances in the environment.
If seasonal or year-round allergies trouble you, you may experience more than sneezing or a stuffy nose, your eyes can react too. Understanding what triggers ocular allergies and how to treat them can ease discomfort and protect your vision.
If you need help,
call our Markham Eye Clinic at 1-905-477-4488
How Eye Allergies Work
When you encounter an allergen, like pollen, pet dander, or mould, antibodies in your eyes recognize it and trigger a response. That reaction prompts mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals, which cause blood vessels in your eyes to swell, leak, and result in redness, itching, and tearing.
Common Allergens & Irritants
Your eye allergies can react to many different triggers. Frequently encountered irritants include:
- Outdoor allergens: pollen from trees, grass, weeds
- Indoor allergens: dust mites, pet dander, mould
- Environmental irritants: cigarette smoke, perfume, vehicle exhaust, air pollution
- Others: contact lens deposits, residues from makeup or lotion
Because these allergens differ from person to person, your eye symptoms may flare up in only certain seasons, or persist all year.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Eye Allergies
Though symptoms vary, many people with ocular allergies report:
- Intense itching
- Burning or scratchy feeling
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Dryness
- Puffy eyelids or dark circles under the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Mucus discharge
- In some cases, nasal congestion, sneezing and other general allergy symptoms
Because these eye allergy symptoms can overlap with other eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, proper diagnosis matters. Persistent redness or discomfort merits evaluation by an eye care professional.
Diagnosing Eye Allergies
During an eye exam, your optometrist will look under a microscope to check for signs of allergic inflammation. This may include dilated or swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye. This internal exam helps distinguish allergic conjunctivitis from other conditions that can mimic similar symptoms.
If over-the-counter treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your optometrist or allergist may recommend further testing or prescribe stronger medications.
Treatment for Eye Allergies
You can often relieve eye allergy discomfort by combining lifestyle changes with targeted treatments.
1. Reduce Allergen Exposure
Trigger avoidance often delivers the most effective long-term relief. Try to:
- Keep windows closed during high pollen periods, and run air conditioning in your home and car.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from pollen and dust.
- Use dust-mite–proof covers on bedding, wash bedding in hot water, and reduce indoor mould and dust buildup.
- Wash your hands after touching pets and avoid rubbing your eyes, rubbing only worsens irritation.
2. Over-the-Counter Relief
For many patients, simple over the counter (OTC) methods ease symptoms:
- Artificial tears: Lubricating drops help wash away allergens and soothe irritation. You can use these frequently, and even refrigerate them for a cooling effect.
- Decongestant drops: These shrink dilated blood vessels to reduce redness. However, use them sparingly; prolonged use can worsen redness (rebound effect).
- Cold compresses: Apply a cool washcloth over closed eyelids to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
These OTC options work best for mild or occasional eye allergy symptoms.
3. Prescription Treatments for Eye Allergy Relief
If your eye allergies persist or worsen, our Markham eye doctors may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:
- Antihistamine eye drops: These drops block histamine and relieve itching and swelling within minutes; their effect often lasts for several hours.
- Mast cell stabilizers (or combination antihistamine + stabilizer drops): These medications prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals, helping not only relieve symptoms but also reduce flare-ups if used regularly.
- NSAID drops: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops help control itching and inflammation. Your doctor might prescribe these if other treatments aren’t sufficient.
- Corticosteroid eye drops: In cases of severe or chronic eye allergies, low-dose steroid drops can quickly calm inflammation. Use only under closer supervision due to potential side effects (such as increased eye pressure or risk of infection).
- Allergen immunotherapy (“allergy shots”): If allergens continually trigger your eye allergy and avoidance doesn’t suffice, immunotherapy can gradually build your tolerance. This method works over months, not days, but can reduce long-term sensitivity.
4. Maintenance & When to Seek Help
- Use artificial tears or preservative-free lubricating drops regularly if your eyes feel dry or irritated, even when symptoms subside.
- Avoid contact lens use during peak allergy seasons or when your eyes feel irritated, switch to glasses if possible.
- If over-the-counter drops don’t relieve significant itching, redness, or discharge, or if symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, schedule an eye exam. Persistent eye allergy symptoms may require prescription therapy or further investigation.
Why Getting the Right Treatment Matters
Eye allergies don’t just cause discomfort. If left unmanaged, they can worsen, leading to chronic irritation, increased risk of infection, or even damage to the eye surface over time. By identifying triggers and adopting a comprehensive eye-allergy treatment plan, you can reduce flare-ups, protect your vision, and improve daily comfort.
If you suspect you suffer from persistent eye allergies, book an eye-allergy exam. Our optometrist can examine you, pinpoint the cause, and tailor a treatment plan for long-term relief.
Call our Markham Eye Clinic at 1-905-477-4488
In addition to an eye allergy exam, Unionville Optometry also offers: