Hay fever and your eyes

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. It can significantly impact a person's quality of life by causing discomfort and interfering with daily activities.

Hay fever is a seasonal allergy which affects between 10–20% of us in Western countries.² Airborne pollen from wind-pollinated plants such as grass, trees and weeds can come into contact with our eyes, nose and throat. If you suffer from hay fever, this can cause you to have itchy eyes, bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, an itchy nose, a runny nose, and sneezing.

Hay fever can affect us in different ways, such as symptoms and severity. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. For some of us, it can affect us every year, whereas for others, symptoms can ease or worsen as we age.

Hay fever is most common in springtime. However, it depends on which pollen you are allergic to. In Western Europe, tree pollen is most common from March to May, grass pollen from May to July, and weed pollen from late June to September.³ 90% of us with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen. The weather also affects how much grass pollen is in the air; hotter and dryer days are worse.

People with hay fever can be more prone to other inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or asthma.²

Despite the name, hay fever is not actually a fever. It doesn’t give us a high temperature. The name “hay fever” comes from an early belief that it was caused by the smell of hay.

How to treat hay fever

There are lots of treatments available for hay fever. Different options are available for people with different symptoms.

Barrier methods

Anything that keeps pollen out of your nose and eyes can help prevent hay fever. Glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses can reduce the amount of pollen which comes into contact with our eyes. Even staying indoors with the windows closed can help. ¹

Putting a small smear of petroleum jelly around the inside of your nostrils can trap pollen grains and stop them from getting up your nose. You can also buy nose plugs that sit just inside the nostrils and filter the incoming air. These are available in different shapes, such as circular and elongated, to fit your nostrils. Other nasal barriers include fabric or paper masks, like those worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Medicinal hay fever treatments

You can buy anti-allergy tablets (antihistamines) from shops or over the counter at a pharmacy. You take these daily to prevent the allergic reaction that causes hay fever. They are also effective for other allergies, like pet hair, dust mites, or mould. These other allergies can cause similar symptoms to hay fever, like swollen, red, and itchy eyes. It is better to take the tablets in advance, before exposure to pollen, rather than waiting until symptoms begin.

For children, a liquid anti-allergy medicine might be a better option if they have difficulty swallowing tablets.

You can also take nasal spray a few times a day. These don’t have to be taken in advance and can help to relieve a blocked nose quickly. Also, if you are worried about tablets making you drowsy, nasal spray is a safer alternative.

If your hay fever is severe and the tablets and sprays don’t help, your doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger. Steroid tablets or steroid nasal sprays are stronger and take several days to build up their effect. We’d recommend you start taking them before hay fever season and continue to take them daily during it.

Eye drops for hay fever can be used to treat hay fever symptoms such as sore eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, dry eyes, or bloodshot eyes.

There are two types of anti-allergy eye drops. Sodium cromoglicate drops are useful as a preventor. Antihistamines are more useful for when our eyes become irritated due to hay fever and need some relief. These eyedrops should not be used with contact lenses. There are also soothing or moisturising eye drops which do not prevent the allergic reaction, but soothe the symptoms. These are a hay fever remedy that can be combined with a barrier method or medicinal treatment.

Other treatments for hay fever

You can also get sterile liquid eye ointments which you apply by pouring them into a little eye bath, pressing it against your face, and tipping your head back so that the ointment washes over your eye. Like the eye drops, this is a hay fever eye remedy that can soothe sore and itchy eyes.

If you are suffering from hay fever with your eyes, using an eye wash can help relieve your eyes from itching and soreness. Although tempting, you should try and avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they are itching. This only makes them more irritable.

A soothing mask can also cool your face, relieving your eyes.

If you’re a contact lens wearer, then using dailies rather than monthlies can help to relieve hay fever. This way, you will be using a fresh pair of lenses daily, reducing the amount of pollen likely to get stuck on reusable contact lenses.

High pollen days

High pollen days; usually between March and September, increase the risk of hay fever. Of you suffer from hay fever there are a few things you can try to help lessen the symptoms.

Monitor pollen forecasts: Stay informed about the daily pollen forecasts. These forecasts can help you plan your activities and be prepared for high pollen days.

Stay indoors during peak pollen times: Pollen levels tend to be highest in the early morning and evening. If possible, try to stay indoors during these times.

Keep windows closed: Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen days to prevent pollen from entering your home. If necessary, use air conditioning or fans with pollen filters to circulate air indoors.

Dry clothes indoors: Avoid drying your clothes outside on high pollen days, as they can collect pollen and bring it indoors. Instead, use a clothes dryer or hang clothes indoors.

Avoid outdoor activities: If pollen counts are high, limit your time spent outdoors, especially in grassy areas or parks. If you need to go outside, consider wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Rinse your eyes and face: When you come indoors after being outside, rinse your eyes and face with cool water to remove any pollen that may have settled on your skin or eyelashes.

Consider over-the-counter remedies: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops specifically designed for allergies can help alleviate hay fever symptoms. Consult with a pharmacist or your healthcare provider to determine which options may be suitable for you.

Keep indoor environments clean: Regularly dust and vacuum your home to minimise the presence of indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander, which can worsen hay fever symptoms.

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