At a glance
Pollen can trigger itchy, watery or red eyes as part of hay fever. Reducing exposure, wearing glasses if contact lenses become uncomfortable, and seeking advice for persistent or severe symptoms can help. Ortho-K may reduce the need for daytime lenses in suitable wearers, but it does not treat the allergy itself.
Well, it’s that time of year and if you are anything like our dear Brian here at Thompson Larter Smart Vision Optometry, then you are probably sniffling your way through life with leaking eyes right now!
How Your Eye Health Is Affected
Healthdirect Australia explains that hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to triggers that can include pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander. Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Eye symptoms can be especially inconvenient for contact lens wearers.
So what should you do? The first option is to wear your glasses instead, though this can be hard as you are constantly taking them on and off to rub at your eyes. If your eyes are sensitive to light and you don’t have prescription sunglasses, then this makes things all the more challenging.
If contact lenses feel uncomfortable while your eyes are irritated, wear glasses and ask your optometrist about the most suitable lens type and wear schedule for you. Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can move a lens and make irritation worse. Sunglasses may also help reduce direct exposure when you are outdoors.
Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. For suitable wearers, they may provide useful daytime vision without daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K does not treat hay fever and requires an individual eye-health and suitability assessment.
Related guidance
Read more about eye-allergy symptoms and assessment. If persistent irritation, contact-lens discomfort or changing vision is affecting you, arrange an appropriate professional assessment rather than assuming pollen is the only cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can pollen cause itchy or watery eyes?
Yes. Seasonal allergens such as grass, weed and tree pollens can trigger hay fever, and itchy or watery eyes are common symptoms.
What can I do to reduce pollen exposure to my eyes?
Healthdirect recommends reducing pollen exposure by staying indoors when pollen is high or it is windy, wearing sunglasses outside, showering after outdoor activity and rinsing the eyes with water.
When should I seek professional advice for hay fever symptoms?
Speak with a doctor if symptoms are persistent, moderate or severe, or affect sleep or daily activities. A pharmacist can advise about mild or occasional symptoms, and an optometrist can assess eye or contact-lens concerns.
