Seasonal Allergies & The Eyes

Itchy, watery, or red eyes when pollen peaks? Learn why it happens and how to get relief.

What Are Ocular Allergies?

Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) occur when your eyes react to airborne triggers — commonly tree, grass, and weed pollens. The result can include intense itch, redness, burning, and tearing. Symptoms may worsen outdoors or on windy, high-pollen days.

If symptoms persist or affect your vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam for a personalized plan.

At a glance
  • Itching is the hallmark symptom
  • Redness, watering, burning
  • Triggers: pollen, mold, pet dander
  • Often seasonal or outdoor-related
Common Symptoms
  • Intense itching and urge to rub
  • Redness and burning
  • Tearing / watery eyes
  • Puffy eyelids, light sensitivity
Inflamed eye in allergy season
Typical Triggers
  • Tree, grass, and weed pollens (seasonal)
  • Mold spores, especially in damp areas
  • Indoor allergens (dust mites, pet dander)
  • Windy days that stir up allergens
Plant releasing pollen

Relief & Treatment Options

  • Cold Compresses: Calm itching and swelling.
  • Artificial Tears: Rinse allergens and soothe dryness.
  • Antihistamine/Mast-Cell Stabilizer Drops: First-line for allergy eye symptoms (some OTC, others Rx).
  • Avoidance: Check pollen counts, keep windows closed, use air filtration, and shower after outdoor time.
  • Contact Lens Tips: Consider glasses on high-pollen days or daily disposables to reduce allergen buildup.

Your optometrist will tailor drops and strategies to your symptoms, lens wear, and medical history.

When to Schedule an Exam
  • Symptoms last > 2 weeks or worsen
  • Vision changes, significant pain, or discharge
  • You wear contacts and have persistent irritation
Allergies vs. Pink Eye

Allergies typically affect both eyes, with intense itch and watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis often has thicker discharge and may start in one eye. An exam helps confirm the cause and best treatment.

Dry Eye or Allergy?

Dry eye can mimic allergy symptoms (burning, redness, watering), but itch strongly suggests allergy. Many patients have both; your treatment plan may combine lubricants and anti-allergy therapy.

Learn more about Dry Eye

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