Eye drops for hay fever: which ones help against itchy eyes?

Eye drops for hay fever: which ones help against itchy and red eyes?

Itchy, red and watery eyes are among the most common complaints with hay fever. Especially on days when there is a lot of pollen in the air, the eyes can suddenly start to burn, sting or swell.

Eye drops can inhibit the allergic reaction in the eye and reduce the symptoms. Which eye drops are most suitable depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms. There are, among others, eye drops with antihistamines and eye drops that help prevent the allergic reaction.

In this article you can read what causes hay fever symptoms in the eyes, which eye drops are used and how to apply them correctly.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. This pollen comes from trees, grasses and plants.

If you have hay fever, your immune system reacts more strongly to this pollen than necessary. Among other things, the body releases histamine. This substance causes symptoms in the nose, airways and eyes.

Common hay fever symptoms are:

• sneezing;
• a runny or blocked nose;
• an itchy nose;
• shortness of breath;
• fatigue;
• itchy or watery eyes.

Hay fever is therefore not just a nasal complaint. In many people it is precisely the eyes that react strongly to pollen.

Which eye complaints can hay fever cause?

When pollen comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eye, an allergic reaction can occur. This is also known as allergic conjunctivitis.

You may then experience:

• severe itching;
• red eyes;
• burning or stinging eyes;
• watery eyes;
• watery discharge;
• swollen eyelids;
• a gritty sensation;
• temporary sensitivity to light.

The symptoms usually occur in both eyes. In an allergic reaction, itching in particular is a recognisable symptom. Pus, a lot of pain or a sudden decrease in vision are less consistent with ordinary hay fever and may have another cause.

Why do your eyes itch from hay fever?

The eye is protected by a thin mucous membrane: the conjunctiva. This is located over the white of the eye and on the inside of the eyelids.

Pollen can end up on this mucous membrane. The immune system wrongly sees this pollen as a threat and releases histamine. This causes small blood vessels to dilate and the mucous membrane to become irritated.

This causes redness, itching, swelling and watery eyes.

Rubbing sometimes provides brief relief, but usually makes the irritation worse. By rubbing you spread the pollen across the eye and the vulnerable eye surface can become further irritated.

Which eye drops help with hay fever?

Various types of eye drops are used for allergic eye complaints. The main difference lies in the way they work.

Eye drops with an antihistamine

Antihistamines inhibit the action of histamine. This can reduce itching, redness and watery eyes.

Examples of active substances used for allergic eye complaints are:

• azelastine;
• ketotifen;
• levocabastine;
• olopatadine;
• emedastine.

Some of these products are available without a prescription. Other eye drops require a prescription. Availability may differ per product, dosage and packaging.

Antihistamine eye drops can provide relief relatively quickly. According to Apotheek.nl, azelastine can start working within about ten minutes.

Eye drops with cromoglicic acid

Cromoglicic acid helps to prevent or reduce the allergic reaction. These eye drops usually do not work immediately after a single application.

The product generally needs to be used regularly during the period in which you are exposed to pollen. This makes it especially suitable when you expect to have symptoms for a longer period.

For a good effect it is important that you use the eye drops according to the instructions on the packaging or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Moisturising eye drops or artificial tears

Artificial tears do not treat the allergic reaction itself, but can moisten the eye surface and partly rinse away pollen.

They can be pleasant for:

• dry or burning eyes;
• a gritty sensation;
• irritation caused by wind;
• mild symptoms alongside allergy eye drops.

Do not automatically mix different types of eye drops. If in doubt, consult your pharmacy, especially if you also use prescribed eye medication.

What are the best eye drops for hay fever?

There is no single eye drop that works best for everyone.

The right choice depends on:

• which symptoms you have;
• how severe the symptoms are;
• how often the symptoms return;
• whether you wear contact lenses;
• which other eye medication you use;
• your age;
• any other eye conditions.

For symptoms that occur occasionally, a fast-acting antihistamine may be suitable. For symptoms that recur throughout the pollen season, a preventive or longer-acting product may be a better fit.

Ask your pharmacy or GP for advice if you do not know which product suits your situation.

How do you use eye drops for hay fever?

Always read the package leaflet before use. The dosage differs per medicine.

A general instruction for applying drops is:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Check the name and expiry date of the eye drops.
3. Remove your contact lenses if necessary.
4. Tilt your head back.
5. Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
6. Hold the bottle above the eye.
7. Let one drop fall into the pocket that forms.
8. Do not touch the eye, eyelashes or eyelid with the nozzle.
9. Close the eye calmly.
10. If desired, press gently on the corner of the eye next to the nose for one minute.
11. Close the bottle immediately after use.

Do not routinely use several drops at once. The eye can only hold a limited amount of fluid. With most products, one properly administered drop is sufficient.

How often may you use hay fever eye drops?

That differs per active substance and product.

Some eye drops are used twice a day. Other products must be administered four times a day. Do not use the drops more often than stated on the label or in the package leaflet.

Applying more drops does not automatically give a better effect and may actually cause extra irritation or side effects.

Are you not getting sufficient results despite correct use? Then consult your pharmacy or GP instead of increasing the dose yourself.

Can you use eye drops before hay fever symptoms start?

Some allergy eye drops can be used preventively. This means you start when you expect the pollen load to increase, before the symptoms become severe.

This applies especially to products that help prevent the allergic reaction and need to be used regularly.

Other eye drops can be used as soon as the first symptoms begin. Thuisarts.nl indicates that certain anti-allergic eye drops can be used when the symptoms arise or when you expect the symptoms to start.

Always follow the instructions for use of your specific product.

What can you do yourself about hay fever eyes?

In addition to eye drops, practical measures can help to reduce exposure to pollen.

Do not rub your eyes

Rubbing can worsen the itching and irritation. It can also spread dirt and pollen further across the eye.

Use a cold flannel

A clean, cold flannel on closed eyes can provide temporary relief from itching and swollen eyelids.

Wear sunglasses outdoors

Sunglasses partly protect the eyes against wind and airborne pollen. A model that fits closely around the eyes offers the most protection.

Wash your face and hair

Pollen can stick to your skin, eyelashes and hair. Wash your face when you get home and shower before going to bed if symptoms are severe.

Keep windows closed when pollen levels are high

Especially on dry and windy days there can be a lot of pollen in the air. Keep the windows closed as much as possible then.

Do not dry laundry outside

Pollen can attach itself to clothing, bedding and towels.

For allergically inflamed eyes, Apotheek.nl advises not to rub, to temporarily avoid wearing contact lenses and, if desired, to place a cold flannel on the eyes.

Can you wear contact lenses with hay fever?

With red, itchy or irritated eyes it is better to temporarily leave contact lenses out.

Contact lenses can:

• retain pollen;
• increase the irritation;
• put extra strain on the eye surface;
• slow down recovery;
• make applying eye drops more difficult.

In addition, some eye drops may not be used while soft contact lenses are in the eye. Certain preservatives can accumulate in the lens.

Therefore always check the package leaflet. It states whether you need to remove the lenses and how long you must wait before putting them back in.

Are red eyes always caused by hay fever?

No. Red eyes can have many different causes, including:

• dry eyes;
• a viral or bacterial eye infection;
• irritation from contact lenses;
• damage to the cornea;
• a speck of dirt in the eye;
• an allergy to cosmetics or lens fluid;
• a problem with eye pressure.

Itching in both eyes, watering and a clear link with the pollen season are consistent with hay fever. A lot of pus, severe pain, sudden blurred vision or severe light sensitivity may indicate another cause.

When should you call your GP?

Call your GP or out-of-hours GP service immediately if you have a red eye combined with:

• pain in the eye;
• sudden reduced or blurred vision;
• being unable to tolerate light;
• seeing abnormal shapes or halos;
• nausea or severe headache;
• an injury or chemical substance in the eye.

These symptoms are not consistent with a simple allergic reaction and must be assessed quickly.

Also contact your GP or pharmacy if:

• the symptoms continue to increase despite treatment;
• you are not sure whether it is hay fever;
• one eye reacts much more severely than the other;
• you get a lot of mucus or pus from the eye;
• the eyelids swell severely;
• you have an existing eye condition;
• you notice no improvement after several days of correct use.

Applying eye drops independently with hay fever

During the hay fever season, eye drops sometimes need to be used several times a day. Correct and hygienic application is then important.

Not everyone finds it easy to:

• hold the bottle exactly above the eye;
• keep the eye open;
• dose one drop;
• apply enough force to the bottle;
• prevent the nozzle from touching the eye.

The Oculoo eye drop glasses help with positioning and operating suitable eye drop bottles. This can make applying eye drops independently easier and more controlled.

Oculoo does not treat hay fever and does not determine which eye drops you need. It is an aid for administering suitable eye drops. The advice of your doctor, pharmacist and the package leaflet always remains leading.

Frequently asked questions about hay fever and eye drops

Which eye drops help against itching caused by hay fever?

Eye drops with an antihistamine are often used, such as azelastine, ketotifen, levocabastine or olopatadine. Seek advice on which product suits your situation.

Can I use ordinary eye drops for hay fever?

Moisturising eye drops can reduce irritation, but do not always inhibit the allergic reaction. For allergic symptoms there are special anti-allergic eye drops.

How quickly do eye drops work against hay fever?

That differs per product. Some antihistamine eye drops start working within about ten minutes. Preventive products may need longer before the maximum effect is reached.

Can I use hay fever eye drops every day?

Some products may be used daily throughout the pollen season. However, the maximum duration of use differs per product. Check the package leaflet or ask your pharmacy.

Why do my eye drops sting?

A brief stinging or burning sensation can occur after applying drops. Does the sensation persist, get worse, or do you experience pain or blurred vision? Do not simply stop prescribed medication, but contact a doctor or pharmacist.

Can I combine eye drops and hay fever tablets?

In some situations this is possible. The choice depends on your symptoms and the medicines used. Consult your pharmacy if you want to use several allergy medicines at the same time.

Conclusion

Hay fever can cause itchy, red, burning and watery eyes. Anti-allergic eye drops can inhibit the allergic reaction. Moisturising eye drops can also help to soothe the eye surface.

Which eye drops are most suitable depends on your symptoms and personal situation. Therefore always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, ask your pharmacy or GP for advice.

Do not rub your eyes, temporarily avoid wearing contact lenses and limit contact with pollen where possible. Do you have pain, reduced vision or severe light sensitivity? Then contact your GP immediately.

Medical disclaimer: this article contains general information and does not replace personal medical advice. Always use medicines according to the package leaflet and the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Based on: https://www.hooikoortsradar.nl/