Top 3 Expert Tips to Relieve Eye Allergies: How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable During Allergy Season


Hi, I’m Dr. Jackie Garlick, an optometrist practicing in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, I’m here to discuss an issue that many of my patients struggle with—keeping their eyes comfortable during allergy season. In this article, I’ll guide you through the common symptoms of eye allergies and share three effective strategies to help you manage those uncomfortable symptoms.

Understanding the Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are a common issue, particularly during certain times of the year when pollen counts are high. The primary symptom that most people report is intense itching. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know how frustrating and distracting it can be. In addition to itching, other symptoms may include:

  • Redness: Your eyes may appear bloodshot or red, particularly in the whites of your eyes.
  • Watery Eyes: Many patients experience excessive tearing, even when they’re not crying or exposed to cold weather.
  • Swelling: The tissue around your eyes, particularly your eyelids, can become swollen and puffy.

Understanding these symptoms is the first step in managing them effectively. Now, let’s dive into the three strategies I recommend to help keep your eyes comfortable during allergy season.

Tip #1: Use Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops

One of the simplest and most effective ways to alleviate eye allergy symptoms is by using over-the-counter allergy eye drops. These drops are specifically formulated to relieve itching, redness, and other discomforts associated with eye allergies. Two highly recommended options are Zaditor and Alaway.

  • How They Work: These eye drops contain an antihistamine, which works by blocking histamines—the chemicals in your body that cause allergic reactions—from binding to receptors in your eyes. This helps to reduce itching and other symptoms.
  • Where to Find Them: You can easily find these drops at most drugstores, including CVS, Target, and Walgreens. They’re typically located in the allergy relief section, often right next to each other on the shelf.

Important Tips for Use:

  • Timing: Since these drops are not meant to be used while wearing contact lenses, it's essential to time your applications correctly. In the morning, apply the drops first, wait about 10 minutes, and then insert your contact lenses. This allows the medication to be absorbed by your eyes before you introduce any foreign objects, like contact lenses.
  • Evening Application: Before bed, remove your contact lenses and apply another dose of the drops. This will help keep your symptoms at bay overnight.

When to Avoid Oral Antihistamines:

  • If your eye symptoms are isolated (meaning you don’t have other allergy symptoms like a runny nose or sinus congestion), I generally advise against using oral antihistamines like Claritin or Allegra. These medications, while effective for other allergy symptoms, can be very drying, particularly for the eyes. If dryness is already a concern, adding an oral antihistamine may exacerbate the problem. Instead, rely on the targeted relief that eye drops can provide.

Tip #2: Reduce Swelling with a Cool Compress

Another common issue for allergy sufferers is swelling around the eyes. This can be especially noticeable if you’ve been rubbing your eyes—a natural response to itching, but one that can make the problem worse.

Why Does Swelling Occur?

  • The skin around your eyes is incredibly thin and delicate, making it prone to swelling. Allergies trigger inflammation, and when you rub your eyes, you introduce even more irritation, leading to puffiness.

How to Use a Cool Compress:

  • Cool Compresses: One of the best ways to reduce swelling is by applying a cool compress to your eyes. You can purchase special eye pads filled with gel beads that can be cooled in the refrigerator or freezer. These pads conform to the shape of your eyes, providing soothing relief.
  • DIY Solution: If you don’t have a gel pad on hand, you can use a clean washcloth soaked in cold water. Wring it out and place it over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. The cool temperature will help constrict blood vessels, reducing both swelling and the urge to rub your eyes.

Additional Benefits:

  • A cool compress doesn’t just reduce swelling; it can also help soothe itching and provide overall relief from the discomfort associated with eye allergies.

Tip #3: Minimize Contact Lens Use During Allergy Season

For those who wear contact lenses, allergy season can be particularly challenging. Contacts can trap allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, making your symptoms worse.

Why You Should Avoid Contacts:

  • Increased Irritation: When you have an eye allergy, your eyes are already inflamed and sensitive. Adding a foreign object like a contact lens can increase irritation and discomfort. It’s like adding fuel to the fire.
  • Risk of Infection: Wearing contacts when your eyes are already compromised by allergies can increase the risk of developing an eye infection. Allergens can stick to your lenses, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

If You Must Wear Contacts:

  • Daily Disposables: If your symptoms are mild and you can’t avoid wearing contacts, I recommend switching to daily disposable lenses. This way, you’re using a fresh, sterile lens each day, which reduces the amount of allergen buildup.
  • Limited Wear: Try to limit the amount of time you wear your contacts. If possible, wear glasses during allergy season, especially on days when pollen counts are high or your symptoms are particularly bothersome.

When to Seek Further Treatment

While the above tips can help manage mild to moderate eye allergy symptoms, some patients experience severe reactions that require more aggressive treatment. If you find that over-the-counter remedies aren’t providing enough relief, or if your symptoms are severely impacting your quality of life, it may be time to consider prescription options.

Prescription Steroid Eye Drops:

  • In some cases, I may prescribe a steroid eye drop to help reduce inflammation and provide more significant relief. However, this is typically reserved for patients with severe symptoms and is used under close supervision due to potential side effects.

Consult with Your Optometrist:

  • If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require prescription treatment, it’s always best to consult with your optometrist. They can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Final Thoughts

Allergy season can be tough on your eyes, but with the right strategies, you can manage your symptoms effectively. Remember to use over-the-counter eye drops as directed, apply a cool compress to reduce swelling, and consider taking a break from your contact lenses when symptoms flare up. If your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to leave a comment below. I’m here to help, and I hope these tips make your allergy season a little more bearable. Take care and stay comfortable!

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