If you have spent springtime squinting through itchy, watery eyes, you are not alone. Many of our patients in Brooklyn come in thinking they only have “seasonal issues.” However, eye allergies can cause more than discomfort, they can disrupt your daily life and even affect your vision.
At Sunsation Eyewear, we help people find relief with personalized care. This starts off with a comprehensive eye exam and follows with treatment and education on how to avoid common irritants.
How Eye Allergies Affect Eyes
You might notice your eyes feel worse during certain times of year or after being around things like dust, pets, or pollen. Eye allergies (also known as allergic conjunctivitis) can show up with a range of symptoms:
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Itching or burning sensations
- Watery or teary eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty or sandy feeling
Sometimes, people even confuse eye allergies with pink eye or dry eye. That is one reason it helps to get a proper diagnosis.
Eye Allergy Relief: What Works and What Doesn’t
Finding relief starts with understanding your options. Here is what to try—and what to skip.
4 Solutions That Work for Eye Allergies
Here are some helpful ways to manage eye allergy symptoms. These tips can help you stay comfortable and protect your vision.
1. Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter lubricating drops can flush out allergens and soothe irritation.
2. Cold Compresses
A cool washcloth over your closed eyes can reduce swelling and itchiness.
3. Prescription Eye Drops
We may recommend an antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer drops, depending on your symptoms.
4. Allergen Avoidance
Wearing wraparound sunglasses, using air filters, and keeping windows closed during peak pollen days can go a long way.
What to Avoid for Eye Allergies
Falling into habits that seem harmless—or even helpful—can make your eye allergies worse. Here is what to steer clear of:
1. Rubbing Your Eyes
It might feel good for a second, but it makes inflammation worse and increases your risk of infection.
2. Using Redness-Reducing Drops Too Often
These may provide temporary relief but can lead to rebound redness and irritation.
3. Guessing Your Treatment
Trying random remedies without knowing the root cause can delay proper care and make symptoms worse.
When to Come See Our Eye Doctors in Brooklyn
Some eye allergy symptoms are easy to manage at home. But if you are dealing with any of the following, it is time to reach out to one of our eye doctors:
- Your symptoms last longer than a week
- You are not sure if it is allergies or something else (like an infection or dry eye)
- Over-the-counter options are not helping
- You notice vision changes like blurriness or trouble focusing
- You wear contacts, and your eyes feel increasingly irritated
The sooner we can pinpoint what is going on, the sooner we can help you feel better and protect your eyes long-term.
Get Allergy Relief for Comfortable Eyes at Sunsation Eyewear
We know how annoying eye allergies can be—because we see it all the time. At Sunsation Eyewear, we are here to listen, take your symptoms seriously, and offer solutions that work.
Whether you need simple relief or a more detailed care plan, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment to see clearly and comfortably, no matter the season.