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Home 9 For Review 9 How Seasonal Allergies in St. Louis Impact Eye Health & What You Can Do

How Seasonal Allergies in St. Louis Impact Eye Health & What You Can Do

Oct 1, 2025

If you live in St. Louis, you know how tough seasonal allergies can be. Our region’s mix of tree, grass, and weed pollen means itchy eyes, congestion, and other allergy symptoms are a yearly challenge. What many people don’t realize is just how strongly seasonal allergies can impact your eye health. At Eye Roc Eyewear, we help patients find relief by identifying whether their discomfort is caused by allergies, dry eye, or both — and creating a treatment plan tailored to them.

How Allergies Affect the Eyes

Allergies trigger the release of histamines, which inflame the surface of your eyes and cause allergic conjunctivitis. This leads to common symptoms such as:

  • Itchy, burning eyes
  • Redness and swelling
  • Watery or teary eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurry or fluctuating vision

Because these symptoms overlap with dry eye disease, it’s important to see an optometrist to pinpoint the cause and get the right treatment.

Managing Seasonal Allergy Eye Symptoms

The good news is, there are plenty of ways to reduce allergy-related eye irritation. Our team at Eye Roc may recommend a combination of at-home strategies and targeted treatments:

Environmental Control

  • Keep windows closed during peak pollen seasons.
  • Run your air conditioning and change filters regularly.
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears to rinse allergens from the eyes.

Over-the-Counter Options

  • Artificial tears to flush allergens and soothe irritation.
  • Cold compresses to reduce swelling and itching.
  • Oral antihistamines, with caution (some can worsen dry eye).

Prescription Treatments

  • Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drops for rapid, lasting relief.
  • Short-term steroid drops for more severe inflammation, under careful monitoring.
  • Guidance on managing overlapping conditions like dry eye that can complicate allergy symptoms.

When to See an Optometrist

Not every case of allergy eye irritation requires professional treatment, but it’s important to schedule an appointment if you experience:

  • Persistent redness, itching, or watery eyes despite home remedies
  • Eye pain or significant vision changes
  • Year-round symptoms that may signal chronic dry eye rather than seasonal allergies

Our eye care experts will determine the exact cause of your discomfort and recommend a plan that brings you relief.

Why Choose Eye Roc for Allergy Eye Care?

At Eye Roc, we don’t just mask symptoms — we uncover the root cause of your irritation and treat it with precision. Using advanced diagnostic tools, Dr. Bruce Neil and our team will evaluate whether allergies, dry eye, or both are affecting your vision and comfort. From personalized treatment recommendations to expert guidance on protecting your eyes during allergy season, we make sure you leave with clear vision and lasting relief.

FAQ: Seasonal Allergies & Eye Health

Do allergies cause dry eye?
Allergies and dry eye share overlapping symptoms, but they have different causes. Your optometrist can determine whether you’re dealing with one or both conditions.

Can allergy eye drops be used with contact lenses??
Some are safe, but many require removing lenses before use. Daily disposable contacts are often the best option for allergy sufferers.

What’s the best home remedy for allergy eyes?
Cold compresses and preservative-free artificial tears are the quickest ways to soothe irritation. Limiting pollen exposure also makes a big difference.

When should I see an eye doctor for allergy symptoms?
Cold compresses and preservative-free artificial tears are the quickest ways to soothe irritation. Limiting pollen exposure also makes a big difference.

If OTC drops and home care don’t provide relief, or if you experience pain, severe redness, or vision changes, schedule an exam.

Schedule Your Allergy Eye Exam in St. Louis

Don’t let allergy season keep you from enjoying your day-to-day life. At Eye Roc, we’ll help you find the source of your eye irritation and create a plan that works for you. Book your appointment today and experience relief from seasonal allergy eye symptoms with expert, personalized care.