What should you know about hay fever and eyes?

Pollen and other airborne allergens can contact the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. The response may cause itching, watering, redness, puffiness, burning, and discomfort in bright light. Eye symptoms often occur alongside sneezing or a blocked, runny nose. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common term for this eye pattern.

Hay fever irritation usually affects both eyes and is often worse after outdoor exposure. Thick discharge, marked pain, a strong change in vision, or a single very red eye points to another problem and deserves medical assessment.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, as rubbing can increase swelling and irritation. Wash your face after outdoor exposure, use clean cool compresses, and wear wraparound sunglasses when pollen or wind is troublesome. A pharmacist can advise on antihistamine or anti-allergy eye drops and whether your nasal treatment should change. Do not share eye drops or use leftover antibiotic drops.

Arrange a review if symptoms interfere with vision, sleep, or daily activities, or if pharmacy treatment is not helping. Seek urgent eye care for eye pain, new visual loss, severe light sensitivity, injury, or a red eye with a severe headache. Emergency help is needed for breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

Ask whether your eye symptoms fit allergic conjunctivitis, which drops are safe with contact lenses, and whether nasal symptoms suggest allergic rhinitis or asthma.