What’s going on behind your itchy eyes?
Spring should be full of sun and outdoor fun, but many Aussies spend their time rubbing red, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing their way through the day.
If your eyes start itching when the pollen count rises or you can’t seem to shake the gritty feeling no matter how much you blink, you might be experiencing allergic conjunctivitis, the eye’s reaction to allergens in the air.
Hayfever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is the body’s overreaction to harmless substances like pollen, dust or animal dander.
When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, your immune system releases histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation, redness and itching. Your eyes are trying to protect themselves, but the immune response ends up making you miserable instead.
Eye allergies often come hand-in-hand with other hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and nasal congestion. However, it’s the eye-related symptoms such as the burning, puffiness and general discomfort that can be the most frustrating.
If you’ve ever experienced hayfever season in Perth or regional WA, you’ll likely recognise the signs of an eye allergy:
· Red, bloodshot eyes that look irritated
· Itching and burning sensations that get worse outdoors
· Watery or teary eyes, especially when windy
· Swollen eyelids or puffiness around the eyes
· A gritty or dry feeling, even when your eyes are watering
Does this sound familiar? The good news is that these symptoms are usually temporary and manageable with the right care but they can also signal underlying conditions that need attention. That’s where professional optometrist eye testing becomes essential.
While hayfever-related eye irritation is common, persistent or severe symptoms shouldn’t be brushed off as just allergies.
Constant rubbing and inflammation can cause other problems including corneal damage or infection.
Sometimes, what feels like a simple eye allergy could be something else entirely, such as dry eye syndrome, blepharitis or contact lens irritation. That’s why it’s important to book an eyesight test with your optometrist if your symptoms linger, worsen or seem different from previous years.
At Abernethy Owens, our experienced optometrists can assess your symptoms, check for allergic conjunctivitis, and rule out more serious issues that could affect your vision.
If hayfever season leaves your eyes feeling tired and irritated, a few simple changes can make a big difference.
Minimise allergen exposure by staying inside as much as possible and keeping windows closed on high-pollen days. Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can help to shield against pollen and dust. Wash your hands and face regularly after being outside and avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible as this only releases more histamine.
Artificial tears or lubricating drops can help flush out allergens and keep your eyes hydrated. Your optometrist can also recommend antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops if over-the-counter options aren’t enough.
Allergens can cling to contact lenses, worsening irritation. If you wear lenses, make sure to clean them properly or consider switching to daily disposables during allergy season.
If your symptoms persist or affect your daily comfort, book an appointment with your trusted eye health professional. Optometrist eye testing can identify whether your symptoms are allergy-related or part of a broader eye health concern and provide a tailored treatment plan to keep your eyes in top shape through all seasons.
An eye examination not only helps confirm the cause of your symptoms but also ensures your vision is performing at its best, something that’s easy to overlook when your focus is just on stopping the itch!
Whether it’s hayfever season or you simply want to ensure your eyes are in the best shape, book an eyesight test today. Book online with Abernethy Ownes or call 1800 411 744.