Hay fever or allergic rhinitis can negatively affect our eyes, causing discomfort and a variety of symptoms. When people who suffer from this condition are exposed to pollen, their immune system wrongly perceives it as a harmful substance.
Itchy eyes and hay fever can negatively disrupt our lives by lowering our concentration, productivity, and overall well-being. Many people find that persistent itchiness and irritation can make it almost impossible to focus on daily tasks, impacting quality of life.
Severe hay fever symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, or a blocked nose – these can be distracting and uncomfortable, often lasting for large periods of the day. At night, symptoms can disrupt sleep.
Read on as we examine ways to relieve hay fever symptoms and discuss how the condition can impact cataracts and planned laser eye surgeries.
What Are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
The most common symptoms of hay fever are sneezing a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy red eyes. You might also find. Other symptoms include a tickly throat and an itch in the palate of your mouth or itchy ears. = If left untreated, these symptoms can continue into the night, and leading to insomnia making you feel tired during the day.
Sneezing is a common symptom of hay fever
Why Does Hay Fever Cause Itchy Eyes?
Hay fever happens when pollen enters into the eyes. Our immune system is programmed to believe that this is a threat to the body and responds by releasing histamines that make the eyes turn red and itchy. One of the more severe reactions of hay fever is severe puffiness around the eyes – this happens when the tiny blood vessels in the eye begin to leak, causing fluid buildup (and so puffiness). The more we itch our eyes, the more histamine the body releases, so however great the urge is, it is important to try and refrain from itching your eyes as best as possible.
How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Hay Fever
Fortunately, there are many practical ways to soothe hay fever symptoms, including:
- Eye Drops (Over the Counter): Drops work by limiting the body’s histamine response. Lubricating eye drops helps remove pollen from the eyes while relieving dryness and irritation.
- Oral Antihistamines can soothe hay fever symptoms, again by blocking the histamines that your body produces in response to pollen.
- Cold Compress – Place a cool compress over your eyes to reduce itching and swelling when hay fever kicks in.
- Hay fever wipes are specially produced for hay fever sufferers. They are helpful when you are out and about. They can help freshen up and protect against sudden hay fever symptoms whenever they strike.
Beyond these medications and products, you can take additional steps to protect against hay fever symptoms.
- Wraparound sunglasses help to protect against pollen and the harmful effects of the sun on the eyes in general.
- Shower often, especially from outside, to wash away pollen from your eyes, face, hair, and skin.
- Drying your clothes indoors can also help fight hay fever – as clothes dried outside can collect pollen that can get into your eyes.
- Avoid allergens: stay indoors keep car windows closed.
Can I Have Laser Eye or Cataract Surgery with Hay Fever Symptoms?
It is absolutely fine to have laser eye surgery or cataract surgery when you suffer from hay fever; however, with all medical conditions and allergies, it is essential to inform your surgeon during your consultation. A well-qualified and experienced surgeon will be able to plan your treatment to account for potential hay fever symptoms
Can I Take Antihistamines Before LASIK?
Yes, patients can take antihistamines before laser eye surgery or other forms of eye surgery like cataracts. These medications can help control hay fever symptoms (like itchy or watery eyes) prior to surgery.it is always important to discuss any medications and health conditions, including allergies, with an expert eye surgeon before moving forward with surgery. Learn more about laser eye surgery recovery.
Enjoy Spring and Summer with reduced Hay Fever Symptoms!
If you follow the tips and suggestions in our guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying spring and summer with reduced symptoms from pesky hay fever. To learn more about enjoying a life free from glasses and contacts via laser eye surgery and lens replacement, book a free consultation with us today.
By Author: Alex J Shortt
Mr Shortt is a leading ophthalmic surgeon and an expert in the fields of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.
Medically Reviewed Date: 17th July 2024
