Why Your Eyes Itch and What You Can Do About It

Orchard Eye Clinic
Nov 11
2 min read

If your eyes often feel itchy, watery, or irritated, you might be dealing with eye allergies—and they can strike any time of year. Whether it’s pollen in the air, dust in your home, or even pet dander, allergic eyes can make everyday life uncomfortable.

At Orchard Eye Clinic in Bolivar, Missouri, we see patients all year long with allergy-related eye symptoms—and we love helping them find relief that lasts.

What Exactly Are Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, happen when your eyes overreact to substances that are normally harmless—things like pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold. When exposed, your body releases histamine, which causes redness, itching, and swelling.

You might notice your symptoms are worse:

When the seasons change (spring or fall pollen)
Indoors during winter, when heat and dust circulate
Around pets, smoke, or strong fragrances
After mowing the lawn or cleaning the house

Eye allergies can appear seasonally—or persist all year, depending on your triggers.

Common Symptoms of Eye Allergies

Eye allergies can mimic other eye conditions, but these signs usually point to an allergic cause:

Itchy or burning eyes
Redness or watering
Swollen eyelids
Light sensitivity
Gritty or tired feeling in the eyes

If you also have sneezing, congestion, or an itchy nose, you may be experiencing allergic conjunctivitis along with nasal allergies.

How to Relieve Itchy, Watery Eyes

Here are a few steps you can take to help your eyes feel better—starting today:

Avoid Triggers When Possible Keep windows closed during high-pollen days, use air purifiers indoors, and wash bedding frequently to reduce dust mites.
Rinse Allergens Away Artificial tears can help flush out allergens and soothe irritation. Keeping a bottle handy during allergy flare-ups can make a big difference.
Try a Cold Compress A cool, damp cloth placed over your eyes can calm itching and reduce puffiness.
Ask About Prescription Relief For stubborn allergy symptoms, your optometrist can prescribe antihistamine or mast-cell-stabilizing drops that target the root cause instead of just masking discomfort.
Check Your Contact Lenses Allergens cling to contact lenses easily. Switching to daily disposable lenses or glasses during high-allergen seasons can help.

When It’s More Than Allergies

Not every case of red or watery eyes is allergy-related. Dry eye disease, blepharitis, and infections can all look similar. If you’re unsure—or your symptoms don’t improve with allergy drops—it’s time for a professional eye exam.

At Orchard Eye Clinic, we’ll determine what’s really behind your symptoms and create a custom plan for lasting comfort.

Get Lasting Relief at Orchard Eye Clinic

Eye allergies can happen in any season—but you don’t have to suffer through them. Whether you’re struggling with itchy, irritated eyes or wondering if it’s something more, Dr. Shay Sechler and our team are here to help you see and feel your best.