Spring Allergies and Your Eyes: 8 Tips to Manage Itchy, Watery Vision

Winter may be ending soon, but for many, the arrival of spring comes with its own challenges. Allergy season is just around the corner.

Early spring sees skies full of pollen, shedding pets, and changing weather patterns that unleash clouds of irritating airborne particles upon sensitive individuals. Allergy sufferers are left sneezing, congested, and uncomfortable. Many also experience eye allergies during this time, specifically red, puffy, irritated, watery, and itchy eyes.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage these symptoms and find relief, even on high pollen days.

Understanding Springtime Eye Allergies

Spring can be a difficult time for allergy sufferers. As the natural world wakes from winter and begins to bloom, environmental allergen levels spike. Suddenly, you’re sneezing and congested with itchy, irritated eyes. It’s enough to put a damper on the end of winter.

The onset of airborne particles can trigger an immune response in some people. Trees, grass, flowers, and even your beloved pet have the power to activate an allergic reaction in your body, causing a range of annoying and disruptive symptoms. Your eyes are particularly sensitive to these interactions. After all, eyes evolved to detect and react to microscopic foreign substances to protect your vision.

Your body registers airborne allergens as a threat. When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, your cells release histamine to trigger inflammation and irritation. As a result, you experience itchy, red, and watery eyes.

Seasonal vs. Perennial

Eye allergies can be either seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergies happen at certain times of the year due to seasonal environmental changes. These start in early spring and continue through autumn.

Perennial allergies are not tied to seasonal shifts. They can occur at any time, although they can be worsened by weather and other environmental changes, like your pet’s shedding, for example.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

When most people imagine springtime allergies, they envision clouds of fluffy pollen and tall, swaying grass. However, outdoor allergens are only half of the story.

Your home is also full of irritating airborne particles, like pet dander, dust mites, and mould spores. Outdoor temperature and weather changes can worsen these indoor allergens. For example, pets begin shedding in the spring as temperatures warm. Your dog will feel cooler and more comfortable as his winter coat dissipates, but your allergies may feel heightened as a result.

Rainy weather can also stir up indoor mould spores, which thrive in damp environments.

Common Causes of Itchy Eyes

Outdoor:

• Tree pollen (birch, oak, maple, and cedar).
• Grass pollen (particularly in late spring and early summer).
• Pollen from weeds.
• Irritants like cigarette smoke and exhaust.
• Wildfire smoke.

Indoor:

• Pet dander (worse during shedding periods).
• Mould spores (worse after windy or rainy periods).
• Dust mites.

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

• Red eyes.
• Itchy eyes.
• Puffy, swollen eyelids.
• Watery or runny eyes.
• Soreness, burning, and irritation.
• Blurred vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Chronic dark, undereye circles.

You may simultaneously experience other allergy symptoms, such as:

• Runny nose.
• Scratchy throat.
• Sneezing.
• Congestion.

How to Manage Itchy, Watery Eyes

1. Try anti-allergy eye drops

Prescription eyedrops are highly effective at combatting seasonal allergies. Some can be used long-term, while others are designed to provide targeted short-term relief. Here are a few types of prescription drops:

• Antihistamine eyedrops: Quick relief from the itching, redness, and puffiness of eye allergies. Effects last for several hours per dose.
• Mast cell stabilizer eyedrops: Prevents the release of the histamine that causes eye allergy symptoms.
• NSAID eyedrops: Anti-inflammatory drops that relieve itching.
• Corticosteroid eyedrops: Treats chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms.

Certain anti-allergy eye drops can also be purchased over the counter, without the need for a prescription. However, these may not relieve all symptoms. If your allergies do not ease, you should see a doctor for a prescription alternative, rather than continuing to use over-the-counter drops. Prolonged use of some over-the-counter eyedrops may actually worsen your condition.

2. Monitor pollen counts

Limiting your exposure is one of the simplest ways to reduce your allergy symptoms. Although it’s unrealistic to completely change your routine every spring, you can likely make some small adjustments to your behaviour. Even minor changes can have a big impact on your symptoms.

First, make a habit of checking the pollen forecast. On high-pollen days, make sure to close the windows in your home and your car. Do not use window fans that can draw pollen into the house. Instead, use an air purifier or air conditioner to reduce indoor allergens.

Then, try to avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen hours whenever possible. This is usually early to mid-morning and late afternoon.

3. Wear protective eyewear

Sunglasses and regular prescription eyeglasses act as a physical barrier between your eyes and airborne allergens. Wrap-around sunglasses, in particular, are highly effective. If you’re typically a contact lens wearer, then switching to glasses during allergy season can help.

4. Wash face, hands, and body frequently

Pollen accumulates on your skin, hair, clothes, and eyelids. This means you are effectively carrying highly irritating allergens around with you, often worsening symptoms. During allergy season, you should ramp up your normal hygiene routine by washing your hands more frequently and making sure you don’t rub your eyes inbetween washes.

Washing your face also helps remove allergens before they reach your eyes. Additionally, it’s helpful to shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.

5. Ensure a clean indoor environment

Outdoor allergens can find their way inside, whereas other allergens originate inside your home. Instead of being a sanctuary from your symptoms, your house can become just another irritant.

To prevent this from happening, you should keep windows closed, keep air conditioning units clean, and keep indoor humidity low. Dust and vacuum frequently, especially if you have a shedding pet.

6. Apply a cold compress

When your eyes are inflamed and irritated, applying a cold compress can provide relief. Place a cool, damp washcloth over your eyes at the end of the day.

7. Use artificial tears

Over-the-counter lubricating artificial tears wash away allergens and introduce moisture back into dry and itchy eyes. This can provide temporary (but much appreciated) relief when you’re in the midst of an allergic reaction. For additional soothing and comfort, refrigerate your tear substitutes.

8. Consider allergy medications

You can also take general allergy medications to alleviate allergy symptoms. Prescription antihistamines, for instance, can provide relief for itchy eyes. However, these medications can cause dry eyes. Ultimately, this worsens eye irritation. If you’re already prone to dry eyes, it’s better to try another method for managing your eye allergies.

Contact Clearview Vision Institute in Toronto, Ontario

Clearview Vision Institute is a leading provider of vision corrective treatments in Canada. We have a history of introducing advanced procedures to our patients, and a reputation for excellence. Our modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and knowledgeable staff ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care.

To request more information on our vision corrective procedures or expert advice on eye allergies, call Clearview Vision Institute today at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.