Are you tired of dealing with itchy, watery eyes that make it hard to focus on your daily activities? Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can be a huge nuisance, affecting your comfort and quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergens like pollen or year-round irritants such as dust mites and pet dander, this article is here to help.
We will explore several effective strategies to alleviate and prevent eye allergy symptoms. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive toolkit to show you how to stop watery eyes temporarily and help you find eye allergy relief.
Relief for Itchy, Watery Eyes: Treatment and Prevention Tips
Dealing with itchy, watery eyes can be incredibly frustrating, but there are several effective eye allergy treatments you can use to find relief and prevent future flare-ups.
Use Eye Drops
Over the counter (OTC) eye drops can provide quick relief from itchy, red, and watery eyes. Antihistamine eye drops, such as those containing ketotifen, can help reduce inflammation and itching.1 Artificial tears can also be used to rinse allergens from your eyes and provide moisture. For more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe stronger eye drops.
Try Cold or Warm Compresses
For immediate itchy eye relief, apply a cold or warm compress to your eyes to help soothe irritation. Cold compresses are particularly effective for reducing redness and swelling, while warm compresses can help relieve itching and discomfort.
Simply use a clean cloth soaked in cold or warm water, wring it out, and gently place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. Be careful not to use water that’s too hot — the skin around the eye area is more sensitive than other parts of the face.2
Wash Bedding with Hot Water Regularly
An itchy eyes home remedy and prevention method you might not think of? Remove dust mites and pet dander. These are common allergens that can accumulate in your bedding and irritate your eyes. Washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C)3 can help kill allergens and reduce your exposure. Consider using hypoallergenic pillow covers and mattress protectors to further minimize allergen contact.
Try a Saline Eye Flush
A saline eye flush can help remove allergens and irritants from your eyes. Tilt your head over a sink and gently pour the sterile solution into your eyes, allowing it to rinse away any irritants. This can be particularly helpful after spending time outdoors during high pollen seasons.4,5
Use a Humidifier or Air Purifier
Dry eyes — sometimes caused by allergies — can feel uncomfortable. Dry air can make these issues worse by increasing sensitivity and irritation.6 Using a humidifier can help keep the air moist, reducing dryness and discomfort. Additionally, an air purifier can help filter out allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, improving the air quality in your home and reducing your exposure to these irritants.7
Avoid Eye Irritants
When searching for answers on how to relieve itchy eyes and simple prevention, identifying and avoiding eye irritants is key. Common irritants include smoke, strong perfumes, and certain cosmetics.8 If you know you’re sensitive to specific substances, try to avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you’re allergic to pollen, stay indoors during peak pollen hours and keep your windows closed.9
Take BENADRYL® for Symptom Relief from Eye Allergies
BENADRYL® is a trusted over-the-counter antihistamine that can help relieve a wide range of allergy symptoms. Here are a few products you might consider:
BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS®: These tablets provide relief from eye allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes.
BENADRYL® Allergy Antihistamine Dye-Free LIQUI-GELS®: Offer relief without the use of artificial colors.
Children’s BENADRYL®: This liquid formula is suitable for children ages 6 to 11.
When To See a Doctor
While many eye allergy symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies, there are times when it’s important to seek professional medical advice. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consider seeing a doctor.
Change in Vision
If you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or difficulty seeing clearly, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate attention.10
Pain in the Eye(s)
Eye pain is not a typical symptom of allergy eyes and can instead be a sign of a more severe issue, such as an infection or injury.11 If you experience pain in one or both eyes, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
Signs of an Eye Infection
If you notice symptoms that suggest an eye infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or a feeling of warmth in the eye, seek medical help. Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and may require prescription medication to treat effectively.8
Sensitivity to Light
Increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, can be a sign of a more serious eye condition.12 If you find yourself squinting or feeling discomfort in bright light, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
References
Kidd M, McKenzie SH, Steven I, Cooper C, Lanz R; Australian Ketotifen Study Group. Efficacy and safety of ketotifen eye drops in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2003;87(10):1206-1211. doi:10.1136/bjo.87.10.1206
NYU Langone Hospitals. Home Treatments for Conjunctivitis. https://nyulangone.org/conditions/conjunctivitis/treatments/home-treatments-for-conjunctivitis. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Allergy-proof your home. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy/art-20049365. Published September 2024. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. Saline Solution. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/saline-solution. Published May 2024. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. How to Safely Flush Out Your Eye. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-flush-out-your-eye. Published June 2022. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Dry eyes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863. Published September 2022. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Allergy & Asthma Network. What You Need to Know About Humidifiers and Sinus Troubles. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/relative-humidity-finding-balance/. Published December 2024. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. Eye Irritation. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24607-eye-irritation. Published January 2023. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343. Published February 2024. Accessed February 27, 2025.
National Institute on Aging. Aging and Your Eyes. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vision-and-vision-loss/aging-and-your-eyes. Published July 2021. Accessed February 27, 2025
Mount Sinai. Eye pain. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/eye-pain. Accessed February 27, 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. Photophobia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/photophobia. Published October 2023. Accessed February 27, 2025.
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