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How Seasonal Eye Allergies Occur and Impact Your Vision

  • by Adelaide City Optometrist
  • October 18, 2024
  • Eye Health

As the seasons change, many of us look forward to warmer days, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities. But for millions of Australians, these changes also bring a less welcome visitor – seasonal eye allergies. If you’ve ever experienced red eyes, watery eyes, sore eyes, or itchy eyes during certain times of the year, you know exactly how disruptive allergies can be. But why do we get them, and how can we manage the uncomfortable symptoms like gritty eyes, sandy eyes, and blurred vision? Let’s dive into the causes of seasonal allergies, their impact on our eyes, and practical ways to relieve the symptoms.

What causes seasonal eye allergies?

Seasonal eye allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic conjunctivitis, are caused by an overreaction of your immune system to airborne allergies like pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, your body produces histamines to fight off what it mistakenly sees as harmful invaders. This immune response leads to inflammation and the uncomfortable symptoms we associate with allergies.

How allergies affect your eyes

For many, the first signs of seasonal allergies appear in the eyes. If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes are often the first to suffer, it’s because they are directly exposed to the environment. The thin layer of tissue that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, called the conjunctiva, is highly sensitive to allergens.

Common symptoms for eye allergies include:

  • Red Eyes: Inflammation and irritation make blood vessels in the eyes more visible.
  • Watery eyes: The body’s attempt to flush out irritants.
  • Sore eyes: Constant irritation can lead to discomfort and pain.
  • Itchy eyes: Histamine release triggers intense itching sensations.
  • Gritty eyes: A feeling of sand or grit in the eyes, often caused by inflammation.
  • Sandy eyes: Similar to gritty eyes, it’s the sensation of small particles in the eyes.
  • Blurred vision: Inflammation and excessive tearing can interfere with clear vision.

How to relieve symptoms of your eye allergies

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage these uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some tips to help keep your eyes feeling healthy during allergy season:

  1. Use allergy eye drops
    Antihistamine or lubricating eye drops can relieve red eyes, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. They work by reducing the body’s allergic response or flushing out allergens from your eyes.
  2. Cold compress
    Applying a cold compress to your closed eyes can reduce inflammation and soothe sore eyes and gritty eyes. The cool temperature helps constrict blood vessels, relieving redness and swelling.
  3. Avoid rubbing your eyes
    It can be tempting to rub your itchy eyes, but this only exacerbates the inflammation and discomfort. Rubbing can also increase the risk of scratching the cornea, leading to further issues.
  4. Stay indoors on high-pollen days
    Check daily pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. If you must go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct exposure to airborne allergens.
  5. Keep windows closed
    Whether at home or in your car, keeping windows closed can help prevent allergens from entering your environment, reducing the risk of water eyes and sandy eyes.
  6. Use an air purifier
    Air purifiers can help filter out pollen and other allergens from your indoor air, giving your sore eyes a break from constant exposure to irritants.
  7. Avoid contact lenses during allergy season
    Contact lenses can trap allergens against the surface of your eyes, worsening symptoms. Switching to glasses during high-allergy times can help reduce irritation and discomfort.

What to avoid if you have seasonal allergies

Certain things can make symptoms of your eye allergies worse. Here’s what to avoid to prevent red eyes and blurred vision:

  • Outdoor activities during peak pollen times: Early mornings and late afternoons often have the highest pollen counts.
  • Rubbing your eyes: As mentioned earlier, this will only make your symptoms worse and prolong discomfort.
  • Exposure to indoor allergens: Dust mites, pet danger, and mold can also trigger allergic reactions. Keep your living space clean, use dust-mite covers on bedding, and vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.

When to see an Optometrist

While home remedies can be effective for many, persisitent or severe symptoms should be checked by an eye care professional. If your itchy eyes and watery eyes are not improving, or if you experience significant blurred vision, book an appointment with your local optometrist. At Adelaide City Optometrist, we can provide personalised advice and treatments to help manage your seasonal allergies and keep your eyes healthy year-round.

Seasonal allergies may be a nuisance, but understanding how they affect your eyes can help you manage the symptoms better. From red eyes and sore eyes to gritty eyes and blurred vision, knowing how to soothe these issues can make all the difference. Whether it’s through the right eye drops, avoiding allergens, or seeking professional care, there are effective ways to protect your eyes during allergy season.

At Adelaide City Optometrist, we’re here to help you maintain optimal eye health, no matter the season! Book an appointment today to sort out your eye allergies.