Managing Allergies and Eye Irritation: Best Glasses and Practical Tips for Relief

Are your eyes red, swollen, and itchy? Or perhaps they are tearing and feel like they are burning? Then you might suffer from eye allergies, which can cause eye irritation.

Eye allergies can be caused by a variety of sources, not just pollen, luckily, they can be managed in different ways.

Let’s explore exactly why allergies irritate your eyes, how to manage symptoms, and the best glasses that can help.

Why Allergies Cause Eye Irritation

Eye allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to what are normal substances for the majority of people, like dust or pollen for example. Histamine is released in the eye which causes inflammation and redness.

Some common reasons for eye allergies are -

• Pollen (especially from trees, grasses, and weeds especially in the spring and summer).

• Dust mites.

• Pet dander.

• Mold spores.

• Cockroach droppings.

Common Symptoms Of Allergic Eye Irritation

Symptoms of eye allergies can vary from person to person but they mostly manifest as -

• Itchy eyes.

• Red bloodshot eyes.

• Watery eyes.

• Swollen eyelids.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Blurred vision in severe cases.

Effective Ways To Manage Allergic Eye Irritation

Eye allergies can be uncomfortable and fatiguing, especially if you deal with them over the duration of seasons.

There are some ways you can manage your eye irritation to give yourself some relief.

Limit Allergen Exposure

• Stay indoors during high pollen count days - Websites and apps can help you track pollen counts in your local area. When levels are high, it’s best to minimize your time outdoors when possible.

• Avoid allergen environments - If you know the cause of your eye allergies then try to avoid the environment. For example, if it’s dust, avoid dusty surroundings like barns, stables, sheds and garages.

• Keep windows closed - This helps prevent allergies from entering your home. Use air conditioning instead to keep your home cool.

Use Allergy Proofing Methods

• Wash bedding regularly - Dust mites are a top cause of indoor allergies. Washing your pillowcases, sheets and blankets in hot water weekly can help remove these allergens.

• Regular cleaning - Dusting and vacuuming your home frequently can help remove allergens in areas like carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture.

Home Remedies For Quick Relief

• Cold compress - A cold damp washcloth on your eyes for a few minutes can reduce inflammation and help soothe irritation.

• Artificial tears - Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can help wash away allergens and relieve tired and dry eyes.

• Rinse eyes with saline - A saline solution can rinse your eyes of allergens and provide extra moisture.

Prescription Medications

If you find the above methods don’t help to soothe your eyes and over-the-counter medicines aren’t working then you might need to see your doctor and get stronger antihistamines, steroid eye drops, or mast cell stabilizers to manage the inflammation.

The Best Glasses for Managing Allergy-Induced Eye Irritation

It’s recommended by opticians to switch to glasses rather than contact lenses if you're suffering from eye irritation caused by allergies.

Here are some glasses we recommend to help manage your eye allergy symptoms -

Anti-Allergy Glasses with Wraparound Frames

Why They Work

To prevent pollen, dust and other allergens from entering your eyes, wraparound glasses are a great solution since they fit snugly against your face. Unlike traditional glasses they also prevent irritants from entering the side, giving better protection.

Our Recommendation

Safety glasses or Sports glasses are good options as they have maximum coverage and can block dust and pollen from all angles.

Glasses with Anti-Reflective Coatings

Why They Work

Anti-reflective coatings help to reduce the glare from the sun and artificial lighting which can often make allergy symptoms worse, causing watery eyes or sensitivity to light.

These glasses are also easy to clean, which is convenient if you have environmental allergies caused by pollen.

Our Recommendation

Choose glasses with anti-reflective coatings to help with allergy symptoms.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

If your eyes are already irritated from allergies, spending a lot of time on your screen can make your symptoms worse, causing more irritation. Blue light blocking glasses aren’t specifically designed for allergy relief but will help reduce digital eye strain.

Our Recommendation

Choose blue light-blocking or computer glasses and gaming glasses to help with eye irritation.

FL-41 Glasses

Why They Work

FL-41 glasses are used to help with light sensitivity known as photophobia and conditions like migraines, blepharospasm and eye strain which is triggered by harsh lighting.

Our Recommendation

Rose-tinted glasses and pink sunglasses help with light sensitivity which can make allergy symptoms worse.

Sunglasses with UV Protection

Why They Work

Wearing sunglasses can help to protect your eyes if you go outside during allergy season by reducing direct exposure to dust, pollen, and UV rays which can irritate your eyes.

Sunglasses also tend to have a snug fit which can reduce the impact of wind that can often carry allergens like pollen.

Our Recommendation

Choose polarized or mirrored sunglasses which offer better UV protection.

Relieving Allergic Eye Irritation with GlassesShop

Since 2004, GlassesShop has offered more than 1800 frame styles with various customizable lens options such as blue light blocking lenses, photochromic, and transition lenses.

We offer all the glasses listed above to help manage allergy symptoms with great deals to save you money such as BOGO (buy one get one free), free shipping over $69 and a 365-day guarantee.