How to Relieve Itchy & Watery Eyes During Allergy Season
Spring is in the air, but so is pollen! For many individuals, seasonal allergies lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including itchy and watery eyes. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life and comfort. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to help minimize eye irritation during allergy season.
Keep Your Windows Closed
While fresh air is generally beneficial, during allergy season it can introduce pollen and other allergens into your home. Keeping windows and doors closed, particularly on days with high pollen counts, can reduce indoor allergen exposure (American Academy of Ophthalmology [AAO], 2023). To improve air quality without opening windows, consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can help remove allergens from the indoor environment (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2023).
Use Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can help flush allergens from the eyes and provide relief from dryness and irritation. They are especially helpful when used regularly throughout the day (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Preservative-free options are generally recommended for individuals with sensitive eyes or frequent use, as they reduce the risk of irritation from preservatives.
Allergy Tablets & Medicated Eye Drops
Oral antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Reactine), or fexofenadine (Allegra) are commonly used to relieve a variety of allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes (Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology [CSACI], 2024). For more targeted relief, medicated antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen (e.g., Zaditor, Alaway) are effective in reducing ocular allergy symptoms and are available over the counter (AAO, 2023).
By implementing these tips, individuals can reduce discomfort and enjoy the spring season more fully. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Do you have a go-to allergy relief tip? Share it in the comments!
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2023). How to relieve itchy, watery eyes from allergies. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/allergies
Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. (2024). Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). https://csaci.ca/for-patients/allergic-rhinitis/
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Guide to air cleaners in the home. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/guide-air-cleaners-home
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Allergic conjunctivitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352730
