What Causes Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies occur when allergens make contact with the eyes, triggering an immune response. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. 

Some allergens are present year-round, called perennial allergens, and are typically found indoors—like dust, pet hair, or indoor mold. Seasonal allergens, however, appear during specific times of the year and are often caused by pollen, ragweed, or grasses. 

When your body reacts to an allergen, it releases histamine, a chemical that causes the blood vessels in the eyes to swell. This reaction leads to the classic symptoms of allergic responses: redness, itching, and tearing. 

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Signs of allergic conjunctivitis can include: 

• Burning sensation 

• Itchy eyes 

• Redness 

• Puffy eyelids 

• Tearing 

These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for infections, such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. A thorough examination by an eye care professional—including reviewing your medical history and, if necessary, allergy testing—can help pinpoint the cause and guide proper treatment. 

Limiting Exposure to Eye Allergy Triggers

After a diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, minimizing contact with allergens can help reduce flare-ups. Indoor triggers, such as dust or pet dander, are usually easier to control, while seasonal allergens like pollen may require additional precautions. To limit exposure, stay indoors during peak pollen hours, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning instead of open ventilation. 

For mold-sensitive individuals, spore levels increase in damp or rainy conditions. Staying indoors during wet weather and keeping compost, leaves, or other moist debris away from your home can lower exposure. 

Dust mites can be managed by using washable bedding and curtains or choosing furniture made of leather or vinyl. Regularly laundering bedding and clothing in hot water and steam-cleaning carpets can also help reduce dust accumulation. 

Managing Eye Allergies: Relief and Treatment Options

When avoiding allergens isn’t always feasible, the focus shifts to relieving symptoms, removing irritants, and preventing flare-ups. Begin with basic home care and lubricating drops, add over-the-counter remedies as needed, and consult your eye doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. 

Home Care and Allergen Reduction

Controlling allergens in your home is an important first step. Wash your face after outdoor activities, shower before bed, and regularly launder bedding and clothing. Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, and keep contact lenses and storage cases clean. On high-pollen days, wearing glasses instead of contacts can help limit allergens on your lenses. 

Simple home remedies can also relieve discomfort. A cool compress applied for 10–15 minutes can soothe itching and decrease swelling. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water, wring it out, and gently place it over your closed eyes. 

Artificial Tears and Antihistamine Drops

Lubricating drops help flush allergens from the eyes while relieving dryness and irritation. Preservative-free formulas are best for frequent use. Antihistamine eye drops provide quick relief from itching, redness, and tearing, typically applied once or twice daily depending on the product. For temporary redness without itching, decongestant “redness-relief” drops can shrink surface blood vessels for short-term comfort. 

Medication Options

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines can help when eye allergies accompany nasal or systemic symptoms. These medications may cause dryness, so pairing them with artificial tears is recommended. Your eye care provider can suggest alternatives if dryness becomes problematic. 

For persistent or severe symptoms, prescription options are available. Mast cell stabilizers prevent histamine release in the eyes, and some prescription drops combine antihistamine and mast cell-stabilizing effects. Examples include Elestat® (epinastine), Zaditor® (ketotifen), and Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride), which address itching, redness, burning, and tearing. In more serious cases, steroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling, but these require careful supervision by an eye care professional due to potential risks such as elevated eye pressure or infection. 

Other Conditions That Can Mimic Eye Allergies

Red, itchy, or watery eyes aren’t always caused by allergies. A professional eye exam can determine the underlying issue and guide appropriate treatment. Conditions with similar symptoms include: 

• Allergic Rhinitis: Also called hay fever, this allergy affects the nose and throat, causing sneezing, congestion, runny or itchy nose, and sometimes a scratchy throat. 

• Dry Eye: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can lead to irritation, inflammation, and potential damage to the eye surface. 

• Pink Eye: Inflammation of the membrane covering the eye and eyelid may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. In infants, a blocked tear duct can also be responsible. 

If you experience these symptoms, contact a Grene Vision Group provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.