What does itchy eyes feel like with allergic rhinitis?

The eyes may feel tickly, burning, or as though something is caught beneath the lids. You may want to rub them, yet rubbing can make the lids more swollen and the eyes more watery. The nose and eyes often react together because the same airborne allergen can contact the nasal lining and the eye surface. Other features may include a blocked or runny nose, repeated sneezing, an itchy throat, and clear tears. Allergic rhinitis can flare after exposure to pollen, mould, or indoor particles.

Wash your face and hands after being outdoors, and change clothes if they carry dust or pollen. A cool compress over closed eyes can lessen the urge to scratch. Saline nasal rinsing may help clear irritants when performed with safe, prepared water and clean equipment. Ask a pharmacist about an antihistamine or nasal treatment that fits your health needs. Avoid sharing towels, and do not use someone else’s eye medicine. If you wear lenses, take them out while the eyes are irritated.

Seek urgent care for severe pain, sudden vision change, strong light sensitivity, or eye swelling with breathing difficulty. A clinician should assess persistent redness, thick discharge, symptoms after an injury, or discomfort that is steadily worsening. These features may point to a problem beyond allergic rhinitis. Make an appointment when nasal and eye symptoms repeatedly interfere with sleep, work, or school so a tailored treatment plan can be considered.

Ask what exposures may be contributing, whether your nasal treatment can also reduce eye symptoms, and which eye drops are safe for you. Ask when an eye examination is needed if itching comes with pain or blurred vision.