The UK hay fever season runs from spring through to autumn, roughly March to September, and affects nearly 18 million people. This is roughly 1 in 5 people. Whilst most often associated with cold-like symptoms, hay fever also has an effect on your eyes.
The Effect on your Eyes
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to different types of pollen, this allergic reaction can also be seen in the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white of the eyes. This is shown by the eyes becoming watery, red, and itchy. It can also cause the eyes and/or eyelids to swell and the sensation of grit in the eyes.
The itching sensation is caused by both the pollen landing in your eyes and the release of histamine which irritates nerve endings.
The redness is caused by the blood vessels swelling/dilating to fight off the irritant.
The watering is caused by the tear ducts producing excess fluid to flush out the pollen, this might cause your vision to blur.
Alongside these symptoms, hay fever can have a direct impact on your vision.
For example:
- Eye fatigue: Itching of the eyes and rubbing can lead to strain and eye fatigue.
- Blurred vision: Swelling and inflammation in and around the eyes can lead to blurry vision.
- Double vision: Hay fever can cause eye muscle to weaken, causing double vision.
- Decreased visual acuity: In extreme cases, hay fever allergies can lead to decreased visual acuity or temporary vision loss.
How to Manage your Hay Fever
Here are some steps you can take to help manage your hay fever and soothe the effects on your eyes.
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, especially when the pollen count is high.
- Use a cold compress or cooled artificial tear eye drops: the cooling sensation can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Rinse your eyes regularly: use an eyewash to remove any dust and pollen from the surface of the eyes.
Treating Hay Fever
Anti-allergy eye drops: These can be used to treat eye symptoms as they target the site of inflammation directly. Make sure to check if the eye drops are compatible with contact lenses.
Mast cell stabiliser eye drops: These prevent the allergic reaction and the release of histamine, treating the symptoms before they start.
Steroid Eye Drops: Best used in severe cases. Only available on prescription, these are powerful anti-inflammatories, however they come with the risk of side effects such as damaging the cornea, glaucoma, and cataracts.
If you’re still experiencing symptoms after trying all preventative and treatment measures, book yourself in with your local opticians. You can book in with the below link.
