How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy During Allergy Season

  • 1 November 2024
  • Troy Cassidy

For many New Zealanders, allergy season brings itchy, watery eyes and a lot of discomfort. Whether it’s pollen in spring, dust mites in the home, or other environmental triggers, allergens can cause eye irritation that makes it hard to focus on daily activities. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce symptoms and protect your eye health during allergy season.

In this post, we’ll explore why allergies affect the eyes and share practical tips to help you keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.


Why Do Allergies Affect the Eyes?

When allergens like pollen, dust, and mould enter the eyes, the immune system responds by releasing histamines. This causes inflammation and leads to symptoms like itching, redness, watering, and swelling. Known as allergic conjunctivitis, these symptoms are common but can vary in severity.

Here in New Zealand, with its lush vegetation and unique seasonal shifts, pollen counts can be high in spring and early summer, and dust mites can thrive in humid homes, contributing to allergy symptoms year-round.


Tips for Managing Eye Allergies During Allergy Season

1. Limit Outdoor Exposure on High-Pollen Days

Check the local pollen count before planning outdoor activities. During peak pollen times (often in the morning or early afternoon), try to stay indoors as much as possible. When you do go outside, consider wearing wraparound sunglasses to create a barrier between your eyes and allergens.

2. Keep Indoor Air Clean

Invest in a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to help trap airborne allergens inside your home. Additionally, keeping windows and doors closed on high pollen days can reduce the amount of pollen that enters your living spaces. Regularly clean surfaces and vacuum to minimize dust buildup, which can also exacerbate eye allergies.

3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes

When allergies cause itchy, irritated eyes, it can be tempting to rub them for relief. However, rubbing can worsen irritation and even lead to infections if bacteria is transferred to your eyes. Instead, use a cool compress on your eyes to soothe them without risking additional irritation.

4. Rinse Your Eyes with Saline Solution

Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution can help wash out allergens and reduce irritation. At Cassidy Eyecare we recommend Ey-Eye preservative-free saline. This simple step can help remove pollen and other allergens from the surface of your eyes.

5. Use Artificial Tears or Lubricating Eye Drops

Dry eyes can make allergy symptoms feel even worse. Artificial tears can help wash away allergens and provide a soothing effect for irritated eyes. Be sure to choose preservative-free eye drops if you use them frequently, as preservatives can sometimes add to eye irritation.

6. Take Allergy Medication

Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce overall allergy symptoms, including those affecting your eyes. However, some oral antihistamines can lead to dry eyes, so it’s best to consult with your doctor or optometrist about the most suitable options. In addition, there are antihistamine eye drops that target eye allergy symptoms directly, providing fast relief for itching, redness, and swelling.

7. Shower and Wash Your Hair Regularly

Allergens like pollen can cling to hair, skin, and clothing. If you’ve been outside, showering and washing your hair can help wash away pollen before it transfers to your bedding or furniture. This simple step can help prevent overnight exposure to allergens, giving your eyes a break while you sleep.

8. Use a Cold Compress for Itchy, Swollen Eyes

Cold compresses are a quick way to relieve allergy symptoms. Simply soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and gently place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. This can reduce inflammation, soothe itchiness, and help with puffiness around the eyes.

9. Limit Contact Lens Wear When Allergy Symptoms Are Severe

Allergens can cling to contact lenses, making eye irritation worse. If you wear contacts and have severe allergy symptoms, consider switching to glasses until your symptoms subside. Daily disposable lenses can also help minimize exposure to allergens if you need to wear contacts.

10. Seek Professional Advice for Persistent Symptoms

If allergy symptoms persist despite taking preventive measures, it may be time to consult an optometrist. They can recommend treatments like prescription-strength eye drops to help manage your symptoms effectively. Additionally, your optometrist can ensure that symptoms aren’t due to another eye condition.


When to See an Optometrist

While most eye allergy symptoms can be managed at home, persistent or severe symptoms may require professional treatment. If you experience excessive redness, blurred vision, or pain in addition to typical allergy symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with an optometrist. They can assess your eyes, recommend treatments, and ensure that you’re getting the care you need to stay comfortable during allergy season.


Conclusion

Managing eye allergies during allergy season can be tricky. By following these tips, you can reduce exposure to allergens, soothe irritation, and protect your eyes from further discomfort. If you’re experiencing ongoing or severe symptoms, consider reaching out to your optometrist for additional guidance and treatment options. With the right approach, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision—even when allergens are in the air.

If you need further advice on eye care during allergy season, our team at Cassidy Eyecare is here to help. Book an appointment today to discuss the best solutions for keeping your eyes healthy all year round!

About Troy Cassidy

Troy graduated from the University of Auckland Optometry programme in 1995, and has worked in optometry practices in NZ, Australia & the UK since then. Along with wife Stephanie, he has owned and operated Cassidy Eyecare in west Auckland since 2010.

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