How Allergies Affect the Eyes | Fall Eye Allergies

Shorter days and colder weather are just around the corner, as autumn is getting closer. Whether you enjoy football games, a trip to the pumpkin patch, or just a walk outside, the fall is a beautiful time to be outdoors.
 
For some people though, autumn isn’t so pleasant. Allergy season doesn’t just occur in the spring, and fall allergies can mean itchy, watery, and red eyes.
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If you have allergies, your immune system overreacts to a certain substance that is usually not harmful, such as tree, flower, or grass pollen and common foods like peanuts, mushrooms, and strawberries, and tries to attack it. This causes a release of certain antibodies, including immunoglobulin E.
 
The release of the antibodies causes a host of allergic reactions, often including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat, as well as eye irritation.
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Eye Allergies & Allergic Reactions Involving the Eyes

Eye allergies, or allergic reactions involving the eyes, are often accompanied by other allergy-related complaints, such as runny or stuffy noses. When allergies affect the eyes, typical signs include:

• Itchy eyes
• Red eyes
• Watery discharge
• Burning

• Sensitivity to light

 
For most people who have eye allergies, symptoms start shortly after exposure to the allergen.
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Common Fall Allergy Triggers

There are a few common fall allergens that may lead to allergy symptoms for some people. One of the main culprits is ragweed. Ragweed is a plant that produces pollen. The plant peaks in mid-September. The lightweight pollen grains can travel hundreds of miles in the wind and settle in soil and leaves that cover the ground in autumn.
 
Mold is another common fall allergen. Mold can grow year-round, including autumn, when mold may grow on compost piles and wet fallen leaves. The mold spores can become airborne, causing common allergic reactions in the eyes.
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Treatment for Allergies Affecting the Eyes

If your eyes are typically itchy, watery, and red during the fall, you probably want some relief – and fast. Treatment for eye allergies may vary, depending on how severe reactions are and whether they affect more than the eyes. Allergy treatment may include the following:
 
Decongestant Eye Drops
Over-the-counter, decongestant eye drops are an option to decrease redness. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, decongestant eye drops should not be used for longer than a week, due to the possibility of irritation.
 
Antihistamine Eye Drops
Prescription antihistamine eye drops contain an antihistamine to decrease allergic reactions like itching and redness. Antihistamine blocks the antibody histamine, which is often responsible for allergic reactions. Since fall allergies can last for several weeks, or longer, it’s important to talk with your eye doctor to determine how long you can use antihistamine eye drops – and if they’re right for you.
 
Combination Antihistamine / Mast Cell Stabilizer Eye Drops
Combination antihistamine / mast cell stabilizer eye drops contain antihistamine, like straight antihistamine drops, as well as a mast cell stabilizer. While antihistamines can address itching quickly, mast cell stabilizers help address itching over time, by preventing allergic eye reactions from progressing. These are a safe and effective option for many eye allergy sufferers, both acute and long-term. Your eye doctor can prescribe the right combination eye drop for you, as well as the right dose for your condition. 
 
Steroid Eye Drops
Eye drops containing steroids can help decrease swelling and itching and may be useful for people with more severe eye allergies. These require a prescription from an eye doctor, as well as strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions and dosing guidelines.
 
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears add moisture to the eyes, which decreases irritation and dryness. Artificial tears also flush allergens from the eyes, which can reduce symptoms. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, artificial tears can be used up to six times a day, or more often if they are preservative free.
 
Oral Allergy Medication
Both over-the-counter and prescription oral (by mouth) allergy medications are available to treat allergies. Oral allergy medication may contain antihistamines, decongestants, or mast cell stabilizers. Some allergy medications can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, sleepiness, and fatigue. Talk to your doctor about the risks to determine if this is a good option for you.
 
Allergy Shots
For a long-term solution, especially if symptoms are severe, allergy shots may be an option. Allergy shots involve getting a small amount of the allergen injected into your body to build up a tolerance to the substance. The injections are usually given every two to four weeks over several months. It can take several months for allergy shots to work, as your body needs time to build up a tolerance. For some people, allergy shots can be quite effective.
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Managing Fall Allergies

In addition to treatment, there are other ways to manage eye allergies. Preventing reactions is your best bet. Consider some of the following allergy prevention tips:

• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your environment.
• Wear a mask when outside raking leaves, mowing the law, or gardening.
• Remove piles of decaying leaves, which can contain mold spores.
• Shower as soon as you come inside from spending time outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• Wear sunglasses when you go outside to decrease the amount of pollen that gets in your eyes.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can make eye allergy symptoms worse.

 
Eye allergies can be annoying any time of the year, including the fall. Limiting exposure to your allergens and using some of the treatments above may help decrease discomfort.
 
If you have any questions about eye allergies or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600. 

Enjoy the last days of summer and this coming fall!