What Causes Eye Allergies?

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

Some allergens are present year-round, called perennial allergens, and are often found indoors—like dust, pets, or mold. Seasonal allergens, however, appear at certain times of the year and are usually caused by pollen, ragweed, or grasses. 

When your body encounters an allergen, it releases histamine, a chemical that triggers the blood vessels in your eyes to swell. This reaction causes redness, itching, and tearing, which are classic signs of an allergic response. 

Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Signs of allergic conjunctivitis can include: 

• Burning sensation 

• Itchy eyes 

• Redness 

• Puffy eyelids 

• Tearing 

These signs can sometimes resemble infections, such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. A thorough evaluation by an eye care professional—including a review of your medical history and, if needed, allergy testing—can help identify the specific cause and guide proper treatment. 

How to Minimize Exposure to Eye Allergens

If diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis, reducing exposure to triggers can help ease symptoms. Avoiding indoor allergens such as dust or pet dander is often straightforward, 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 rather than fresh air ventilation. 

For mold allergies, spore levels tend to rise in damp or rainy conditions. Staying indoors during wet weather and keeping compost, leaves, and other damp debris away from your home can reduce exposure. 

Dust mites can be minimized by using washable curtains and bedding or selecting furniture made from leather or vinyl. Regularly wash bedding and clothing in hot water, and consider steam cleaning carpets to reduce dust buildup. 

Managing Eye Allergies: Treatment Options 

When avoiding allergens isn’t always possible, the focus shifts to relieving symptoms, clearing irritants, and preventing flare-ups. Start with simple home care and lubricating drops, add over-the-counter remedies as needed, and consult your eye doctor if symptoms continue or worsen. 

Home Care and Allergen Reduction

Limiting allergens at 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 if you wear contact lenses, make sure lenses and cases are kept clean. On days with high pollen levels, wearing glasses instead of contacts can help reduce allergen buildup on your lenses. 

Home remedies can also provide relief. Applying a cool compress for 10–15 minutes can calm itching and reduce swelling. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water, wring it out, and gently rest it over your closed eyes. 

Artificial Tears and Antihistamine Drops

Artificial tears help rinse away allergens and soothe dryness or irritation. Preservative-free formulas are best for frequent use. Antihistamine eye drops can quickly relieve itching, redness, and tearing, typically applied once or twice daily depending on the product. For occasional redness without itching, decongestant “redness-relief” drops temporarily shrink surface blood vessels for short-term comfort. 

Medications

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines can help when nasal or systemic allergy symptoms occur alongside eye allergies. These medications may dry out your eyes, so pairing them with artificial tears is recommended, and your eye doctor can suggest alternatives if dryness becomes problematic. 

For persistent or severe symptoms, prescription options are available. 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), and Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride), which target itching, redness, burning, and tearing. In serious cases, steroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling, but these require close supervision from an eye care professional due to potential risks such as elevated eye pressure or infection. 

Other Eye Conditions That Can Mimic Allergic Conjunctivitis

Red, itchy, or watery eyes may not always be caused by allergies. An eye care professional can help determine the root cause and recommend proper treatment. Conditions that can present with similar symptoms include: 

• Allergic Rhinitis: Commonly 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 can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. In infants, a blocked tear duct may also be the cause. 

If you notice these symptoms, contact a Nationwide Vision provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.