How to stop itchy eyes due to hayfever

Itchy eyes caused by hayfever can be irritating, but there are ways to relieve symptoms fast.1

If you are suffering from red, itchy and watery eyes due to hayfever, you are not alone. Eye allergy, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is very common among hayfever sufferers and usually occurs in both eyes.2,3

This is because the same hayfever allergens that cause nasal symptoms can also cause symptoms in your eyes.2

Typical symptoms of eye allergy:1

Itchy eyes

Red eyes

Burning feeling

Watery discharge

Swollen eyelids

How to relieve itchy eyes

The first step in relieving itchy eyes is to try to avoid exposure to the allergen.1,3 For example, if you have a pollen allergy, try and minimise the time you spend outside on high pollen days and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.4

Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make allergy eyes worse.5 Instead, try flushing allergens out of your eyes with water, artificial tears or saline.1,6,7 You can also use a cool compress over the eyes to help relieve symptoms.1,6,7

Itchy eye treatments

There are different types of eye drops that can help stop itchy eyes fast. Some contain a single medicine, such as an antihistamine. Others combine different medicines to manage harder-to-treat symptoms.1

Antihistamine works rapidly to provide temporary relief from symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as red, watery and itchy eyes.1,6

To find out which eye treatment is most suitable for you, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

References
  1. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Conjunctivitis. Available at: https://allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-conjunctivitis Accessed: August 2024.
  2. Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia. Allergic conjunctivitis. Available at: https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergy-anaphylaxis/allergic-conjunctivitis Accessed: August 2024.
  3. Sánchez-Hernández MC et al. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2015;25(2):94–106.
  4. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergen Minimisation. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation Accessed: August 2024.
  5. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Allergic Conjunctivitis. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/eye-disorders/conjunctival-and-scleral-disorders/allergic-conjunctivitis Accessed: August 2024.
  6. Carr W et al. Allergy Rhinol (Providence) 2016;7(2):107–14.
  7. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf Accessed: August 2024