What Triggers Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies can appear suddenly when your eyes come into contact with allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. 

Some allergens are perennial, meaning they are present year-round and often found indoors—like dust, pets, or mold. Others are seasonal, appearing at certain times of the year and commonly caused by pollen, ragweed, or grasses. 

When your body encounters an allergen, it releases histamine, a chemical that causes blood vessels in the eyes to swell and become red. Histamine also triggers itching and tearing, which are hallmark symptoms of allergic reactions. 

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Signs of allergic conjunctivitis can include: 

• Burning sensation 

• Itchy eyes 

• Redness 

• Puffy eyelids 

• Tearing 

While these symptoms can indicate eye allergies, they can also be caused by infections such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. 

An eye care professional can help confirm whether your symptoms are due to allergies. A full eye exam, medical history, and sometimes allergy testing with a primary physician can identify specific triggers and guide appropriate treatment. 

How to Minimize Exposure to Triggers

If your eye doctor confirms that you have allergic conjunctivitis, one of the most effective steps is to reduce exposure to the triggers whenever possible. This is often easier for allergies caused by pets or dust but can be more challenging with seasonal allergens like pollen. To limit pollen exposure, try to stay indoors during peak pollen times, keep windows closed, and rely on air conditioning rather than open windows. 

For mold-related allergies, be mindful that damp or rainy weather can increase spore levels. Consider staying indoors during wet conditions and keep fallen leaves or compost piles away from your home to reduce exposure. 

Dust mites can be minimized by using washable curtains and bedding or opting for furniture made from materials like leather or vinyl instead of cloth. Regularly wash bedding and clothing in hot water and steam clean carpets when possible to reduce dust accumulation. 

Available Treatments for Eye Allergies

When avoiding allergens isn’t feasible, the next step is to manage symptoms, flush out irritants, and prevent flare-ups. Begin with basic home care and lubricating eye drops, add over-the-counter remedies as needed, and contact your eye doctor for stronger treatments if symptoms persist or worsen. 

Home Care and Allergen Avoidance

Minimizing allergen exposure at home is key. Wash your face after being outside, shower before bed, and launder clothes and bedding frequently. Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, and for contact lens wearers, maintain clean lenses and cases. On days with high pollen counts, consider wearing glasses instead of contacts to reduce allergens on your lenses. 

Simple home remedies can also help relieve symptoms. A cool compress applied for 10–15 minutes can soothe itching and reduce swelling. Just dampen a clean cloth with cold water, wring it out, and rest it gently over your eyes. 

Artificial Tears and Antihistamine Drops

Lubricating eye drops help rinse allergens from the surface of your eyes and relieve irritation or grittiness. Preservative-free drops are best if used frequently. Antihistamine eye drops can provide rapid relief from itching and reduce redness or tearing, typically used once or twice daily depending on the product. For temporary redness without itching, decongestant “redness-relief” drops can shrink surface blood vessels and improve appearance for short-term comfort. 

Medicines

Oral antihistamines are available over-the-counter and may be helpful if you also have nasal or full-body allergy symptoms. They can sometimes contribute to dry eyes, so pairing them with artificial tears is recommended, and discuss alternatives with your eye doctor if dryness worsens. 

If home remedies or OTC options aren’t sufficient, your eye doctor can prescribe stronger treatments. Mast cell stabilizers help prevent histamine release in the eyes, and some prescription drops combine antihistamine and mast cell-stabilizing effects. Examples include Elestat® (epinastine), Zaditor® (ketotifen), or Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride), which target itching, redness, burning, and tearing. In severe cases, steroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling, but these should always be used under medical supervision due to potential risks like increased eye pressure or infection. 

Other Eye Conditions with Similar Symptoms to Allergic Conjunctivitis

Red, itchy, or watery eyes may not always be caused by allergies. Consulting an eye care professional is the best way to determine the cause and get the right treatment. Some conditions that can mimic allergic conjunctivitis include: 

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

• Dry Eye: When your eyes do not produce enough quality tears, the surface can become irritated, inflamed, and damaged due to lack of proper lubrication. 

• Pink Eye: This inflammation of the thin membrane covering your eyelid and eye surface can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or an allergic reaction. In infants, it can also occur due to a blocked tear duct. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact an eye care provider at EyeCare Associates for proper evaluation and treatment.