Allergies

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What are Ocular Allergies?

An allergy in general is a reaction that occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (called an allergen), such as trees and grasses, pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or certain foods. Ocular allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the eyes react to these allergens. This reaction causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Generally this happens at the same time each year, when the allergen is most abundant. Ocular allergies are not contagious, but they can be very uncomfortable and may affect your daily activities.

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What are the Symptoms of Ocular Allergies?

Common symptoms include:

• Itchy eyes

• Redness

• Tearing or watery eyes

• Swollen eyelids

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Sensitivity to light

• A gritty or foreign body sensation (like sand in the eyes)

Symptoms often occur in both eyes and may be seasonal or present year-round, depending on the trigger.

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These symptoms may be accompanied by a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, coughing, or a sinus headache. Many patients also find that their vision is temporarily blurred, or that they feel distracted, unproductive, or tired.

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What Causes Ocular Allergies? 

Your body’s immune system protects you against illness by staying alert for harmful agents entering the body. When a harmful agent (or allergen) is encountered, the immune system protects you by neutralizing, removing, or destroying it. Allergies occur when the immune system encounters an allergen and responds by producing certain chemicals, called histamine, to neutralize the substance. Histamine is what specifically causes the itching, redness, swelling, and irritation that you experience.

 

Ocular allergies are caused by the immune system’s overreaction to allergens. Common triggers are airborne, include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds (seasonal allergic conjunctivitis), more abundant in spring and late summer

• Dust mites

• Pet dander

• Mold spores

• Irritants, such as smoke, dirt, and chlorine

• Cosmetics, medications, or eye drops

• Contact lens solutions

• Certain jewelry and eyewear frame materials

Those in southern California do not deal as much with plant allergies as those in the Midwest or on the East 
Coast, but we do have pollution and items in the air which may trigger the exact same reactions.

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In some cases, rubbing the eyes can worsen symptoms or cause additional irritation.

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Who Gets Ocular Allergies?

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies. Approximately 4% of allergy sufferers have eye allergies as their first sign that they even have allergies!

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Ocular allergies can affect people of all ages, but they are more common in individuals who have:

• A family history of allergies

• Other allergic conditions like asthma, eczema, or hay fever

• Seasonal allergies (e.g., spring or fall hay fever)

 

How are Ocular Allergies Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is typically made based on:

• Medical history

• Symptom review

• Physical examination of the eyes

Our optometrist may use a slit lamp microscope to examine the eyes more closely. Every comprehensive eye examination at Visualeyes Optometry includes a screening for ocular allergies. Yet, if there are no active allergens or inflammation, it may be difficult to diagnose. If there is a flare-up or current episode of allergies, a medical eye evaluation by one of our optometrists will confer that there are allergies, and a treatment plan will be discussed. In some cases, you may be referred for allergy testing to identify specific triggers.​

 

How are Ocular Allergies Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and frequency of your symptoms:

• Avoiding Triggers

  • Stay inside when pollen or mold counts are especially high.

  • Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons. Stay away from vents, fans, and air conditioners that can intrdocue allergens into the air. 

  • Use air purifiers and allergen-proof bedding.

  • Wash hands and face after outdoor activities.

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes.

  • Rinse the eyes when exposed to allergens. 

  • Avoid heavy make-up. 

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Eye Drops available at Visualeyes Optometry and most pharmacies

  • Artificial tears: Help flush out allergens and soothe irritation.

  • Antihistamine eye drops: Reduce itching and redness.

  • Oral antihistamines: May help, but some can dry out the eyes.

  • Lid Wipes: Reduce allergens around the eyelids

• Prescription Medications

  • Stronger antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops

  • Corticosteroid eye drops (for short-term use under supervision)

  • Immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term management in severe cases

• Cold Compresses

  • Applying a cool, damp cloth over closed eyes can reduce swelling and discomfort.

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Treating eye allergies is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many factors that go into finding the right treatment for you. Our optometrists will go over all treatment options with you and help you choose which will work best for you.  

 

What is the Prognosis with Ocular Allergies? 

Ocular allergies are not harmful to vision in most cases and are usually well-controlled with proper treatment and avoidance of triggers. However, chronic or severe cases, especially if untreated, can lead to complications such as:

• Persistent discomfort

• Eye infections from frequent rubbing

• Vision problems (rare)

With the right care, most people experience significant relief and few long-term issues.

 

When to See our Optometrist

You should see our optometrist if:

• Your symptoms persist despite using OTC treatments

• You have severe redness, pain, or vision changes

• Your eyes are sensitive to light

• You suspect you have an eye infection

• You wear contact lenses and experience discomfort or irritation

• Your symptoms are interfering with daily life

Our optometrists can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other eye conditions, and provide a personalized treatment plan.

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Ocular allergies are common and manageable. With the right approach—avoiding allergens, using appropriate treatments, and seeking professional care when needed—you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy throughout allergy season and beyond.

 A Special Note Regarding Allergies and Contact Lenses
An allergic reaction can make the eye overly sensitive. Allergy symptoms such as itching, dryness, and tearing can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. The protein contained in the tears from your irritated eyes can build up on the surface of the contact lenses. This causes even more irritation to the eyes, which causes more tearing, and the cycle continues.
 

Some eye symptoms and discomfort can be reduced by following these helpful tips:

• Clean your contact lens daily. Hold it in the palm of your hand, and rub the lens in lens cleaner to remove dirt, debris, oils, pollens, and some proteins adhering to the lens.

• Make sure to use the lens care system recommended by our optometrists. Ingredients found in certain lens care systems can make eye irritation worse.

• Replace your contact lenses and case frequently. Daily disposable contact lenses are a great option for those patients with eye allergies. 

• Limit daily wear time. 

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Severe, recurring eye irritation causes some contact lens wearers to develop giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). This inflammation leads to the formation of tiny bumps on the inside of the eyelids, making wearing contact lenses especially painful or even impossible to wear. Allergies can also be due to makeup, the material of the contact lens, or the contact lens solution itself. Your optometrist will help you ease the symptoms of GPC. Daily contact lenses are a good option. Sometimes eye drops will need to be prescribed. 

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