How to protect your eyes during hay fever season

Nothing lifts our spirits quite like a warm, summer day. But with all of this loveliness comes an influx of pollen and, for many of us, the onset of seasonal allergies.

According to Allergy UK, hay fever affects around 18 million people in the UK every year. If you’re suffering this season, our handy hay fever hacks will help you ward off dry, itchy eyes and breeze through the warmer months with ease.

Recognising the symptoms of hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to tree, grass or weed pollen. As these types of pollen are released at different times of the year, you may start noticing hay fever symptoms between the beginning of the grass season in spring and the end of weed pollen releases in autumn.

The most common symptoms affect the eyes, nose and throat. Your eyes may become red, itchy and watery – this is known as allergic conjunctivitis. The NHS website provides a comprehensive list of symptoms, which also include frequent sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. Though hay fever sufferers will be all too aware of these already!

The impact of hay fever on eyes

Though the itchiness and redness may be unpleasant, the effects of hay fever on the eyes is usually fortunately limited to the short term. While it may be uncomfortable, the irritation is generally brief and fades after the pollen count drops.

Roshni Patel BSC (Hons) MCOptom notes that rubbing your eyes to find relief may come with risks:

“Rubbing your eyes can be damaging for several different reasons. If there’s a foreign body like an eyelash or a speck of dirt in your eye as well, rubbing it can cause it to scratch the cornea.

“In addition, eye rubbing can cause a number of eye injuries and diseases, in particular keratoconus, an eye disorder that sees the cornea gradually bulge outward into a cone shape, and can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Whilst keratoconus can be genetic, research shows that vigorous eye rubbing can increase your chances of developing it.”

“This is particularly important to recognise in the current climate as rubbing your eyes can easily transfer germs from your hands onto the surface of your eye, resulting in infections and disease.

“If you feel the need to rub your eyes consistently, you should try to avoid doing so and seek treatment for your hay fever to help reduce the discomfort.”

How to relieve hay fever

While there is no set cure for hay fever, it can often be controlled using over-the-counter medication, such as antihistamines or eye drops. However, if symptoms are more severe, you may require prescription medication, like corticosteroids. Here’s what you need to know about the different treatments.

Antihistamines

Antihistamine treatments limit the effect of histamine – the major chemical released in allergic reactions. Available as tablets, sprays and eye drops, antihistamines effectively treat itchy and watery eyes and can also help with nose inflammations. You can use these when the first symptoms of hay fever crop up, or use them preventatively, taking them before heading outdoors when the pollen count (number of pollen grains in one cubic metre of air) is high.

Eye drops

Some eye drops contain an antihistamine, which can effectively relieve red and itchy eyes during hay fever season. But the most widely-used products actually contain the active ingredient sodium cromoglicate, a mast cell stabiliser which helps to relieve symptoms. If you’re a contact lens wearer, we recommend that you ask your optician for more advice. Soft lenses absorb the ingredients of antihistamine eye drops, which may be more of an issue with reusable lenses. Opticians may recommend switching to daily disposables to minimise the risks or advise that you avoid lens wear if the symptoms are severe.

Steroids

Corticosteroids, available as tablets, sprays or eye drops, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and are only available on prescription. They are most commonly used to reduce nose inflammations but can also relieve itchy and watery eyes. According to the Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association, corticosteroids are particularly effective if you start using them around two weeks before the pollen season starts.

While corticosteroids are very effective, they can have serious side effects, such as glaucoma, cataracts and damage to the cornea.

Nasal irrigation

Although sneezing and congestion aren’t directly linked to your eyes, nasal irrigation using special tools and a saline rinse can help clear the pollen from your sinuses and reduce the overall symptoms of hay fever, both in your nose and in your eyes.

This is particularly valuable as a precursor to using nasal spray antihistamines.

Hay fever and the eyes

Completely avoiding contact with pollen is a challenge, particularly on gloriously warm summer days. When it gets in your eyes, it can be uncomfortable and itchy.

How to stop eyes stinging from hay fever

Try to stay indoors at times of the day when the pollen count is at its highest (mid-morning and early evening). Avoid any activities that put you into direct contact with pollen, such as lawn mowing or lying in the grass. Consider creating a low allergen garden by swapping out typical hay fever triggering plants and adding natural barriers with hedges and trees. Outside, wear sunglasses with close-fitting shields at the sides, top and bottom, to keep pollen from getting into your eyes.

It’s also wise to avoid bringing pollen into your house. Try keeping windows and doors closed and leaving your pets outside as much as you can. If you have been sitting outside, change your clothes once at home. Clean your furniture with wet cloths to prevent dust and pollen from spreading. If you’re driving, leave windows closed and pick up a pollen filter for the air vents.

How to cope with hay fever if you wear contacts

Because soft lenses may interact poorly with eye drops to reduce hay fever, it can be difficult for those suffering to maintain their vision as well as protect their eyes.

Some, however, may actually find that lenses help to reduce the effects of pollen on the eyes by serving as a simple barrier.

For those who find it an issue, something as simple as preservative-free lubricating eye drops will help wash away any allergens from the eye's surface and improve overall comfort. Hycosan Eye Drops and Hycosan Extra Eye Drops are ideal for sensitive eyes and can conveniently be used with all hard and soft contact lenses. 

Other tips include only wearing your lenses at times when the pollen count is low and use your glasses when it is at its peak. Try to avoid wearing contacts in hot and dry environments too. 

“The most important thing is to pay attention to how your eyes are feeling,” says  Roshni Patel, “If they’re red and swollen, you shouldn’t try to wear contact lenses that day. And if they become uncomfortable while wearing lenses, and simple lubricating drops aren’t effective, take them out rather than leaving them in.”

Use your glasses instead, to prevent any pollen or dust from getting trapped under your lenses. If you cannot wear glasses, speak to your optician about trying daily disposable contact lenses, rather than two-weekly or monthly lenses. Replacing your lenses every day will help you prevent any pollen build up. If your eyes become very sore and red, remove your lenses immediately, and contact your optician.