How Does Hay Fever Affect Your Eyes?

Seasonal pollen allergies, colloquially known as “hay fever”, affect millions of people (up to 25% of the adult population) each year, usually between mid-May – July.

An old wives’ tale claimed that the smell of hay caused “hay fever,” giving the condition its name. Today, we know airborne pollen from grass, trees, and weeds triggers the allergic reaction when it comes into contact with our eyes, nose, and throat. This common condition can cause a variety of symptoms that affect our daily lives and can have a significant impact on vision and eye health.

This guide explains common eye-related hay fever symptoms, how they affect vision, and how to manage them while protecting your eye health.

What are the most common eye-related hay fever symptoms?

One of the most common hay fever symptoms on the eyes is redness, which can cause discomfort and make eyes appear bloodshot. Itchiness, watering, and swelling are also common hay fever symptoms that can cause significant discomfort. Hay fever sufferers may also experience sensitivity to light, making it difficult to see clearly in bright environments.

In addition to these uncomfortable symptoms, hay fever can also have a direct impact on vision, including:

• Blurred vision: Inflammation and swelling in the eyes can cause vision to become blurry.
• Double vision: Allergies can cause eye muscles to weaken, leading to double vision.
• Eye fatigue: Constant rubbing and itching of the eyes can cause eye fatigue and strain.
• Decreased visual acuity: In severe cases, hay fever can cause decreased visual acuity or, in very rare cases, temporary vision loss.

The affects on vision due to hay fever can be particularly frustrating, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks such as reading or driving, and can persist even after hay fever has subsided. Hay fever also exacerbates other inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and asthma.

Can hay fever affect only one eye?

Hay fever is systemic and therefore typically affects both eyes at once, so if you experience irritation in just one eye, hay fever is not likely to be the cause.

A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, or an irritant like cigarette smoke or chlorine, can cause swelling or itchiness in one eye. If irritation in one eye persists for more than 1-2 days, it’s advisable to speak with your healthcare provider.

How to manage hay fever symptoms

Avoiding allergens is the first step to managing hay fever symptoms, especially during the height of the pollen season, which peaks from mid-May until July.

Keeping windows and doors closed and using air conditioning to filter the air can help reduce allergen exposure and reduce hay fever symptoms. Barrier methods, such as glasses, sunglasses (especially wraparound sunglasses), and contact lenses, can decrease the amount of pollen that comes into contact with the eyes. Additionally, applying petroleum jelly around the inside of the nostrils or using nose plugs can prevent pollen grains from entering the nose.

Using a soothing mask can cool the face, providing relief to eyes affected by hay fever. Contact lens wearers can reduce pollen buildup by using daily lenses instead of monthly ones. Avoid rubbing the eyes, even if they are itchy, as this can exacerbate hay fever symptoms.

Medications prescribed by a doctor can also alleviate hay fever symptoms. Medicinal treatments include anti-allergy tablets, which are taken daily to prevent the allergic reaction that causes hay fever. Other options include nasal sprays, which can help relieve a blocked nose quickly, and eye drops can soothe hay fever symptoms such as soreness, itchiness, and dryness.

There are various over-the-counter and prescription eye drops and medications available, but it is essential to talk to your doctor or optometrist about the best options for you. Please note if you wear contact lenses, some eye drops should not be used with contact lenses.

When to seek professional advice for hay fever

If your hay fever symptoms persist despite these measures, it’s important to seek professional advice and treatment. An eye care professional can help diagnose and treat any underlying eye conditions and recommend treatment options for managing eye-related hay fever symptoms.

Hay fever can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms that impact vision and eye health. By taking steps to avoid allergens, using prescribed medications, maintaining good eye hygiene, and seeking professional advice and treatment, you can manage your hay fever symptoms and protect your eye health.