How Can I Manage Dry Eyes during Allergy Season?

Dry eyes can be a frustrating and irritating experience during allergy season. However, there are many ways to manage and treat dry eyes. You can use over-the-counter remedies and prescription treatments. Additionally, you can consult an eye care professional for a personalized treatment plan and make important lifestyle changes to alleviate your symptoms. 

Managing Dry Eyes during Allergy Season

You can employ multiple strategies to manage dry eye symptoms during allergy season. This section will discuss over-the-counter options, home remedies, prescription treatments, and personalized treatment plans from eye care specialists. You can choose what works for you based on the severity of your symptoms.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments

OTC treatments for dry eye include decongestant or antihistamine allergy eye drops, artificial tears, and oral antihistamines. You can access these treatments at most pharmacies or retail stores. 

Allergy Eye Drops

Eye drops provide quick relief by preventing the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, such as redness, itchiness, and dryness. The relief usually lasts for a few hours, so most products must be used multiple times per day. To use these products effectively, use them before exposure to an allergen.

The table below outlines some of the best OTC eye drops for allergies. Prolonged usage of these products can actually exacerbate pre-existing dry eye by washing away your natural tears. Use these eye drops only as directed.

Product Name	Price	Active Ingredient(s)
Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops	$18 for 20mL	Ketotifen: a mast-cell stabilizing agent that prevents histamine production and itching for extended periods; and an antihistamine that treats existing inflammation caused by histamines and quickly relieves itching.
Pataday Once Daily Relief	$15-22 for 2.5mL	Olopatadine: an antihistamine that treats existing inflammation caused by histamines and quickly relieves itching.
Visine Allergy Eye Relief	$10-11 for 30mL	Naphazoline: a decongestant with vasoconstrictors that narrow swollen blood vessels to reduce eye redness. Pheniramine: an antihistamine that reduces the effects of histamine and other irritating chemicals.
Zaditor Antihistamine Eye Drops	$19-$23 for 10mL	Ketotifen: a mast-cell stabilizing agent that prevents histamine production and itching for extended periods of time; and an antihistamine that treats existing inflammation caused by histamines and quickly relieves itching.
Naphcon-A Eye Drops	$11 for 15mL	Naphazoline: a decongestant with vasoconstrictors that narrow swollen blood vessels to reduce eye redness.   Pheniramine: an antihistamine that reduces the effects of histamine and other irritating chemicals.
Lastacaft	$17-$21 for 5mL	Alcaftadine: a mast-cell stabilizing agent that prevents histamine production and itching for extended periods of time; and an antihistamine that treats existing inflammation caused by histamines and quickly relieves itching.

Source: Mira

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are lubricant eye drops that do not contain any antihistamines, decongestants, or preservatives, which means they do not actually treat allergies. Instead, artificial tears provide relief for dryness that is caused by allergies. You can think of artificial tears as a “bandaid solution” for your seasonal allergies. 

Unlike allergy eye drops, artificial tears can be used as needed and more often. They are ideal for sensitive eyes.

Sources: Mira, Biotrue, Refresh Tears, Thera Tears  

Avoid Taking Oral Antihistamines

Like antihistamine eye drops, oral antihistamines block the production of antihistamines and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Instead of only working in your eyes, oral medications provide allergy relief for all parts of your body. 

Unfortunately, oral antihistamines can actually exacerbate dry eyes for some people. Because these medications attempt to dry out runny noses, they can also dry out the tear film that keeps the eye lubricated and healthy. People taking antihistamines may produce fewer tears, and those tears evaporate more quickly.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Here is a list of home remedies you can use to treat your dry eyes during allergy season:

• Warm compresses: these stimulate tear production and blood flow to the eyes
• Cold compresses: these reduce acute pain, redness, and swelling caused by dry eyes and allergies
• Hydration: drink plenty of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated
• Humidifers: by increasing air humidity, humidifiers reduce the evaporation rate of your tears and keep your eyes moist
• Coconut oil: this oil creates a protective layer over your eye film layers when placed over your closed eyelids, decreasing tear evaporation; it also has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties
• Eyelid wash: keeping your eyelids clean with a gentle cleanser produces higher quality tears

Here is a list of lifestyle changes you can make to manage dry eyes symptoms:

• Avoid allergens: limit how often you have to go outside or be exposed to irritating substances such as pollen.
• Wear glasses or daily contact lenses: contact lenses, especially ones that are not daily disposables, can carry allergens that irritate your eyes
• Sleep 7-8 hours a day: sleep decreases eye inflammation and helps you produce more tears
• Wear sunglasses: protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and dust; wear sunglasses can also protect your dry eyes from light sensitivity
• Reduce screen time: prolonged computer use can cause increased tear evaporation because people tend to blink less when using screens
• Reduce alcohol consumption: alcohol can dehydrate your body and affect the quality of your tears
• Stop smoking: cigarette smoke can double your risk of developing dry eyes syndrome and irritate your eyes; it can also alter the composition of your tears

Prescription Treatments

If OTC treatments and home remedies are not providing enough relief, there are prescription medications available for dry eyes. It is important to note that prescription-strength eye drops are readily available over the counter. Look for eye drops containing ketotifen, olopatadine, or alcaftadine.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

There are five prescription anti-inflammatory medications for treating chronic dry eye. The listed prices are without insurance or discounts. 

Source: AAO, Drugs.com

Punctal Plugs 

Punctal plugs are tiny devices put into your tears ducts (puncta). The plugs stop fluids and tears from draining out of your eyes, keeping the surface of your eye moist and comfortable. The added moisture also relieves itchiness, burning, and redness. 

Eye Inserts

If artificial tears are ineffective, you can use Lacrisert, a small prescription lubricant eye insert that is placed between your lower eyelid and eyeball. The insert dissolves over the course of the day, keeping your eyes lubricated for up to 24 hours.

Consulting an Eye Care Professional

Talking to an eye care specialist can help you better understand your symptoms in a more personalized manner. Your ophthalmologist would likely begin by properly diagnosing your dry eyes. A comprehensive eye exam includes a complete eye health history to help your eye care specialist make a proper diagnosis. Here is a list of tests your ophthalmologist might conduct:

• Schirmer tear test - This test measures your tear volume and production using blotting strips placed under your lower eyelids.
• Testing quality of tears - These tests use special eye drops with dyes that help determine the surface condition of your eyes. The dye helps your eye specialist look at staining patterns on your corneas and measure how long it takes for your tears to evaporate.
• Tear osmolarity test - This test measures the particle and water composition of your tears. People with dry eye syndrome tend to have less water in their eyes.
• Tear samples - This helps eye specialists look for markers for dry eye syndrome, like elevated or decreased levels of certain proteins.

Your ophthalmologist can create a personalized allergy treatment plan based on your diagnosis. You may potentially need treatment for an underlying condition. An eye care specialist also helps you monitor your progress. 

Causes of Dry Eyes during Allergy Season

Dry eyes occur when your eyes produce too few tears or the tears evaporate too fast. It is a common symptom of seasonal allergies. Dry eyes due to allergies usually feel like

• Eye redness or soreness
• Excessive tearing
• Stinging or burning
• Itchiness
• Watery discharge
• Sensitivity to smoke, wind, or light
• Blurred vision
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
• Eyelids sticking together after waking up

Exposure to allergens can trigger dry eyes. Here is a list of allergens to avoid during allergy season: 

• Pollen from grass, trees, or ragweed
• Dust
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Smoke
• Perfume
• Makeup

There are other environmental factors that can contribute to dry eyes during allergy season. 

• Climate: dry, hot, or windy weather
• Indoor heating or air conditioning
• High altitude
• Exposure to smoke and other allergens
• Use of contact lenses

It is important to continue managing dry eyes before and after allergy season, too. If you can get your dry eyes under control before allergy season, you can enjoy the sunny weather without painful or itchy eyes. Start treating your dry eyes now, so your allergy symptoms do not get in the way of life during spring.

Managing Dry Eyes during Allergy Season: FAQs

This section will answer some frequently asked questions about managing dry eyes during allergy season. 

What are some easy ways to prevent allergy-related dry eyes at home?

Source: Mira

What exactly is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome causes chronic, severe dry eyes and occurs when the eye cannot maintain a healthy tear film. It becomes more common as you age and can occur due to hormonal changes. Dry eye syndrome can also be caused by additional disorders called meibomianitis and blepharitis. 

If you suffer from dry eyes during allergy season, it does not necessarily mean you have dry eye syndrome. Talk to your eye care specialist for a proper diagnosis. 

What happens if chronic dry eye is not treated?

Not treating dry eyes can lead to corneal abrasions, eye inflammation, eye ulcers, and even vision loss. Chronic dry eyes also lower the overall quality of life. It can make performing basic tasks like reading or using a computer difficult.

Is there a cure for dry eyes?

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward cure for dry eyes. However, the above strategies can easily treat dry eyes due to allergies. 

Bottom Line 

Dry eyes during allergy season can feel like a hopeless situation. Symptoms can include stinging, burning, itchiness, soreness, and sensitivity to light or wind. Luckily, there are ways to manage dry eye symptoms during allergy season and throughout the year. 

You can use OTC treatments, like Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops and Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops. Home remedies (like warm compresses) and lifestyle changes (like reducing alcohol consumption) can also reduce dryness. Lastly, you can consult your eye care specialist for a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. They can help you access prescription medications for chronic and severe dry eyes.