Affecting around 1 in 5 Australians, hay fever or allergic rhinitis, describes a reaction that occurs when the nose or eyes come in contact with allergens to which it is sensitive, such as grass, pollen, dust mites, mould, or animal fur. In most cases of hay fever, inflammation of the eyes is one of the main symptoms. This is the body producing excess tears in an attempt to flush out the irritant. While it usually passes, severe watery and itchy eyes can be quite inconvenient, and may even cause temporarily blurred vision. So, what are the best ways to manage hay fever symptoms in your eyes?

Understand the Pollen Count

Pollen is one of the leading causes of hay fever, and It is worth noting that pollen is at its highest levels during mid-morning and early evening, and mainly during the warm, spring months. Pollen grains can set off an allergic reaction in the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye, which becomes inflamed causing watery, red, and itchy eyes. This may cause your eyes and eyelids to swell, and you may also experience a gritty sensation in your eyes,

The pollen count is a standardised measure of the average number of pollen grains per cubic meter. It’s usually recorded during the day, so pollen count forecasts are likely to reflect daytime figures. Pollen grains are often measured using the rotorod technique, whereby greased silicone rods collect particles from the air, usually over a 24-hour period.  

Pollen count definitions:

0 to 19 grains /m3 (LOW)

20 to 49 grains /m3 (MODERATE)

50 to 99 grains /m3 (HIGH)

≥ 100 grains /m3 (EXTREME)

There are a number of websites and Apps that track the pollen count in your city or state, if you are sensitive to pollen and regularly suffer from hay fever, it’s a good idea to refer to this information so that you can take preventative measures when needed.

Managing Hay Fever

There are several things you can do to help prevent the onset of hay fever, and to minimise the risk of severe symptoms.

Take antihistamine tablets. Histamine is the main chemical released during an allergic reaction. Antihistamine tablets can be taken daily to prevent the onset of a reaction or to alleviate symptoms including itchy, and watery eyes

Switch soft or hard contact lenses for glasses. Especially on days when the pollen count is high. Eye glasses may provide a barrier that protects your eyes from pollen in the air.

Stay indoors on high pollen count days. Whilst this isn’t always possible, try to limit your time outdoors or avoid going out in the early evening and mid-morning when the pollen count is at its highest.

Wear sunglasses when you go outside. Similar to eyeglasses, these can act as barrier which prevents allergens from entering your eyes.

Change your clothes after being outdoors. If you have been outside for a while or around green spaces such as parks and paddocks, you may have pollen on your clothes, skin, and hair. Take a shower and change your clothes to remove any pollen that may have attached itself to your clothes and body.

Rinse your eyes. Use a dedicated eye wash to remove any dust and pollen from the surface of the eyes.

Treating Hay Fever with Eye Drops

Severely inflamed eyes can be relived with a range of eye drops.

Anti-allergy eye drops – These can be used to help treat eye symptoms, as they target the site of inflammation directly. If you wear contact lenses remember to check if need to remove your lenses before applying the drops.

Steroid eye drops – These may be prescribed in severe cases. Steroid drops are powerful anti-inflammatories but can have serious side effects. They are only available on prescription, and treatment should closely monitored.

Mast Cell Stabilizer allergy eyedrops - Amongst the newest types of eyedrops, these help prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals made by your body during an allergic reaction, therefore preventing the onset of symptoms.

Although not considered a serious condition, Hay fever can cause discomfort and can temporarily disturb your vision. However, the symptoms usually pass quickly, and it is doubtful that there will be any long-term damage.

If you would like to learn more about managing eye discomfort from hay fever, ask your optometrist for their professional advice. At Abernethy Owens, we are experienced in all aspects of Optometry including diagnostic imaging, revolutionary severe dry eye disease treatment, chronic dry eye disease treatment and Myopia Control. Book online now or get in touch with us by calling 1800 411 744 today.