Allergies cause more than stuffy noses and sneezing spells. They can make your eyes red, itchy, swollen and watery, too. These symptoms are irritating, and not just to your eyes. Sufferers may feel they look like they haven’t slept or can’t stop crying, and they may even feel the urge to hide away. Thankfully, over-the-counter medicine and other simple steps, like avoiding common allergens, can help manage or prevent symptoms — keeping your eyes clearer and your plans intact.
Eye Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms in eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) can occur when an airborne allergen such as pollen lands in your eye. The allergen triggers your immune system to produce histamine and other chemicals, which enlarge blood vessels and cause irritation.
Medication for Eye Allergies
The same over-the-counter antihistamines many people depend on for runny noses and sneezing can also help relieve itchy and watery eyes, which are symptoms of eye allergies. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines are not indicated to relieve the redness and swelling which may be seen with eye allergies. Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine. Claritin® is the non-drowsy oral allergy brand doctors recommend most.
Furthermore, eye drops can wash irritants from the eyes and keep them from feeling too dry.
You Are in Control
Don’t let eye allergies ruin your plans. Learn about allergens, follow these tips to stop itchy eyes and take medication, such as Claritin®, when symptoms flare up. Claritin® products come in multiple forms for kids and adults and relieve allergy symptoms that can be caused by more than 200 different airborne allergens.
Common Eye Allergens
Pollen
The most common allergens for eyes are pollens from trees, ragweed and grass. Airborne pollen can easily find its way into your eyes — especially when the pollen count is high in peak seasons.
Dust Mites
This allergen can always be present in the immediate environment and can last all year, but can be managed to some degree with dust-mite covers and thorough cleaning.
Pet Dander
Pet dander from your dog or cat can lead to watery and itchy eyes, as well as other allergy symptoms.
Pollen
The most common allergens for eyes are pollens from trees, ragweed and grass. Airborne pollen can easily find its way into your eyes — especially when the pollen count is high in peak seasons.
Dust Mites
This allergen can always be present in the immediate environment and can last all year, but can be managed to some degree with dust-mite covers and thorough cleaning.
Pet Dander
Pet dander from your dog or cat can lead to watery and itchy eyes, as well as other allergy symptoms.
How To Stop Itchy Eyes
The best way to prevent eye allergies is to avoid the allergen. Here are a few tips:
Don’t Wear Contact Lenses
Contacts can trap allergens in your eyes, causing pain and discomfort. While most allergies are seasonal or environmental, people can also be allergic to lenses and solution, which can lead to pronounced burning and other irritations.
Wear Sunglasses or Safety Goggles
Wearing glasses or sunglasses can help to reduce the allergens that find their way into your eyes. When gardening or mowing the lawn, wear safety goggles, as well as a dust mask, if you also suffer from nasal allergies.
Stay Inside When Pollen is Worst
Avoid pollen by closing windows and using air conditioners and air purifiers. Outdoor allergens like pollen can make their way inside on your clothes and hair, too, so take nighttime showers and throw your clothes in the laundry when you come inside.
Clean Your Home
The best way to remove indoor allergies is to keep your home neat and tidy. Regularly dust, vacuum, change air filters and clean any damp spots with mold-killing cleaners.
Don’t Wear Contact Lenses
Contacts can trap allergens in your eyes, causing pain and discomfort. While most allergies are seasonal or environmental, people can also be allergic to lenses and solution, which can lead to pronounced burning and other irritations.
Wear Sunglasses or Safety Goggles
Wearing glasses or sunglasses can help to reduce the allergens that find their way into your eyes. When gardening or mowing the lawn, wear safety goggles, as well as a dust mask, if you also suffer from nasal allergies.
Stay Inside When Pollen is Worst
Avoid pollen by closing windows and using air conditioners and air purifiers. Outdoor allergens like pollen can make their way inside on your clothes and hair, too, so take nighttime showers and throw your clothes in the laundry when you come inside.
Clean Your Home
The best way to remove indoor allergies is to keep your home neat and tidy. Regularly dust, vacuum, change air filters and clean any damp spots with mold-killing cleaners.
References
- Understanding Eye Allergies. WebMD. Accessed March 20, 2020.
- Are You Allergic to Your Contact Lenses or Solution? Cleveland Clinic. Accessed March 24, 2020.
- Eye Allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Accessed March 24, 2020.
- Top 8 Tips for Allergies and Contact Lenses. Optometrists Network. Accessed February 16, 2026.
- Mold Allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Accessed March 24, 2020.
- Eye Allergies (Allergic Conjunctivitis). Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessed June 25, 2020.
- Eye Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed June 25, 2020.
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