Can allergy medicine cause dry eyes?

By ClearSight, 18 May, 2024

Uncover the relationship between allergy medication and dry eyes, alongside practical tips for effective management.

For the past couple of weeks, both my son and I have been dealing with sniffy and watery eyes. Each morning, I wake up to find my eyes feeling gritty. It's all due to seasonal allergies—those pesky pollen particles floating in the air are to blame for my dry eyes.

Interestingly, taking allergy medication, such as oral antihistamines, might exacerbate dry eye symptoms. It's a vicious cycle: managing allergies can inadvertently worsen dry eyes, and if not handled correctly, dry eye symptoms can escalate further.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricate relationship between seasonal allergies and dry eyes, offering some useful tips to help manage both simultaneously. Let's dive in!

Seasonal allergies

These allergies manifest in a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, throat, or ear canals, congestion, wheezing, and coughing. These reactions occur as the immune system ramps up its response to outdoor allergens.¹

In the United States, seasonal allergies typically start in spring, kicking off as early as February and lasting until early summer. This year, the weather in New Jersey, where we live, seems to have improved a bit later. My son and I didn't experience allergies until April when pollen blanketed around our house and cars like a thin layer of snow.

Allergy and allergy medicine may cause dry eyes

Allergy and allergy medication can contribute to dry eyes. Seasonal allergies and dry eyes often share a close relationship. Allergens have the potential to trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to inflammation in the eyes.² This inflammation can affect the meibomian glands, which produce oil to prevent rapid tear evaporation, thus contributing to dry eyes.¹

Interestingly, allergic reactions may initially prompt tear production, but due to meibomian gland dysfunction, these tears quickly evaporate, resulting in a sensation of dryness and irritation.

Furthermore, certain allergy medications, such as oral antihistamines used to treat seasonal allergies, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production, worsening the dry eye symptoms. It's a catch-22 situation!

How to Manage Dry Eyes Due to Allergies?

Avoid allergens and reduce exposure to allergy triggers

Allergies can certainly be bothersome, particularly during the spring and summer months when pollen levels are high. If you or your child suffer from seasonal allergies, consider these proactive measures:

Monitor pollen counts: Stay informed about pollen forecasts and take extra precautions during high pollen counts. Close doors and windows at night, especially during early mornings when pollen levels peak. Wearing a mask, such as a surgical mask, for added protection when out and about.
Stay indoors on windy days: To minimize exposure to allergens, remain indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is easily dispersed. Plan outdoor time after rainfall, as it helps to clear pollen from the air.
Maintain indoor air quality: While it's impossible to completely eradicate allergens from indoor spaces, you can improve air quality by using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom and regularly vacuuming floors with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner.
Limit exposure to allergy triggers: Take precautions to reduce contact with potential allergy triggers. Wear a facial mask while engaging in activities like lawn mowing or weed pulling to prevent allergen inhalation. Upon returning indoors, promptly remove outdoor clothing and shower to wash away pollen from your skin and hair. Avoid hanging laundry outside, as pollen can adhere to sheets and towels.
Consult healthcare professionals: Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist regarding antihistamines that are less likely to exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

Managing Dry Eye in People with Allergies

There are various treatments available to manage dry eye, ranging from over-the-counter artificial tears to prescription medications. One of the primary challenges in managing dry eye is determining whether it is caused by allergies or another factor. Symptoms of eye allergies can mimic those of dry eye, so it's crucial to receive a proper diagnosis from an eye care professional.¹ This ensures that you receive the most effective treatment for your specific condition.

Allergies are typically treated with antihistamines, available over-the-counter or by prescription. However, these medications can sometimes worsen dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production, particularly oral antihistamines. To mitigate this, your eye doctor may suggest using some newer antihistamine alongside preservative-free artificial tears or prescription dry eye medications.¹ This dual approach helps manage eye allergies while maintaining eye lubrication.

For optimal results, frequent use of preservative-free artificial tears may help keep your or your child’s eyes lubricated while washing out any allergens. Avoid using thicker gel or ointment types, as they may not effectively wash out environmental allergens and other irritants.¹

In addition to medication, several simple lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate dry eye symptoms:

Minimize exposure to smoky, windy, or air-conditioned environments.
Limit screen time and take regular breaks to rest your eyes from computer monitors, phones, and televisions.
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from environmental irritants.
Stay adequately hydrated and prioritize sufficient sleep to enhance symptom management.

If your dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, consult your eye care professional. Various factors can contribute to dry eyes, and your doctor can assess for other potential causes and recommend alternative treatments.

Untreated severe dry eye can lead to eye inflammation, damage to corneal tissue, and, in severe cases, even potential vision loss. To prevent these complications, it's important to manage dry eye symptoms early.

Key takeaways

The link between allergy medication and dry eye is strong, potentially forming a vicious cycle. Recognizing this correlation is essential to breaking the cycle and successfully addressing both conditions.

By minimizing exposure to allergens, making some lifestyle adjustment, and using the right medications, you can effectively alleviate symptoms. Don't let allergies and dry eyes dampen your spirits this spring and summer. Take proactive steps to keep your eyes and nose clear, so you can fully enjoy the season ahead!

Want to stay connected on the newest happening? Join me

Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/clearsightcorner/