What should you know about allergies that cause itchy eyes?

Allergic Conjunctivitis directly affects the surface of the eye and may cause itching, watering, redness and puffy eyelids. Allergic Rhinitis can add sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and throat irritation. House Dust Mite Allergy and Pet Allergy are possible triggers, especially when symptoms follow time indoors or contact with an animal.

Itchy eyes are a common presentation of allergic eye disease, but itching can also come from irritation, infection or another eye problem. Allergy symptoms often affect both eyes and may fluctuate with exposure; thick discharge, marked pain or light sensitivity deserves a clinical review.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, wash your hands, and use a cool clean compress for comfort. Reduce exposure to a suspected trigger by keeping windows closed during high-pollen periods, washing bedding regularly and keeping pets away from the bedroom. Contact lenses may worsen discomfort while the eyes are irritated; ask an eye-care professional when to resume them.

A clinician or pharmacist can discuss Allergy Medication suited to your symptoms and health history. Do not use someone else's eye drops, and follow directions carefully because some products are not intended for prolonged use.

Get urgent help for sudden vision change, severe eye pain, injury, pronounced light sensitivity, or swelling of the face or tongue with breathing difficulty. Arrange an eye or GP assessment if symptoms affect one eye only, produce significant discharge, keep returning, or do not improve after avoiding the suspected trigger.

Ask which trigger is most plausible, whether your symptoms fit allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinitis, whether testing is useful, and which eye treatment is safe with contact lenses or other medicines.