Most Common Eye Allergies and How to Deal with Them?

Spring breeze or furry friends got your eyes feeling itchy and irritated? You’re not alone. Allergies hit hard—but relief is within reach. With help from an eye doctor in Monterey, you can spot the signs early and take control. Let’s examine the most common types of eye allergies and how to manage them quickly and effectively.

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC)

Spring and fall can be beautiful, but they’re also brutal if you have seasonal allergies. SAC happens when your eyes react to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. It’s like your eyes are throwing a fit every time the flowers bloom.

Symptoms:

• Red or pink eyes
• Constant itchiness
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Light sensitivity

If you wear contact lenses, it might feel like they’re never sitting quite right during allergy season. Don’t power through it. Your eyes are trying to tell you something.

How to Deal:

• Use preservative-free artificial tears to rinse out allergens
• Close your windows during times of high pollen levels
• Use a cold compress to calm itching
• Consider antihistamine eye drops (ask your optometrist in Ryan Ranch before trying new products)

Washing your face and eyelids after coming indoors helps too. Pollen sticks to your skin and lashes more than you’d think.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC)

Unlike seasonal allergies, PAC doesn’t take a break. It’s triggered by things like dust mites, pet dander, or mold—stuff that hangs around all year long.

If your eyes are always a little irritated, especially indoors, this might be your culprit.

Symptoms:

• Mild redness
• Burning or stinging feeling
• Constant, low-level itching
• Eye fatigue

You might think it’s screen time or dry air, but if it’s ongoing, allergies are worth exploring.

How to Handle It:

• Vacuum and dust regularly, especially carpets and bedding
• Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses
• Install a HEPA filter at home
• Don’t forget about your pets—wipe their paws when they come inside

If you live with PAC, finding the trigger is half the battle. A visit to Eye MD Monterey – Upper Ragsdale Dr can help you pinpoint what’s causing the problem and how to manage it.

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis

This type isn’t about pollen or pets. It’s about what you’re putting in or near your eyes—makeup, eye drops, or even your contact lens solution.

Maybe your eyes were fine until you tried that new mascara. Or maybe you started using a new brand of eye drops, and things got worse. If it burns or stings right after using a product, your eyes are reacting.

Watch For:

• Sudden irritation after product use
• Swelling around the eyes
• Redness or small bumps on the eyelids
• A “gritty” feeling

What Helps:

• Stop using the product right away
• Switch to hypoallergenic or preservative-free versions
• Rinse your eyes gently with clean water
• Ask your eye care provider before trying new items

This is one of those situations where less is more. Your eyes don’t need dozens of products—they need the right ones.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

If you wear contact lenses and your eyes have been getting worse over time, GPC might be behind it. It’s caused by constant friction between the contact and the eyelid. Over time, this leads to bumps forming on the underside of your eyelid.

Signs Include:

• Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
• Discomfort while wearing lenses
• Mucus discharge
• Decreased lens tolerance over time

Your eyes are basically saying, “Please give us a break.”

What to Do:

• Take a break from contact lenses for a while
• Switch to daily disposable lenses if possible
• Keep your lenses extra clean (or consider new cleaning methods)
• Schedule a check-up with a trusted family eye care provider

Catching GPC early means you can prevent long-term discomfort and still enjoy using contacts.

Vernal and Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

These sound more serious because they are. They’re rarer, but they affect people more intensely, especially younger males for Vernal, and those with severe allergies for Atopic.

They don’t just affect the conjunctiva (the clear layer over the eye). These conditions can also harm the cornea, which affects your vision.

Symptoms to Notice:

• Severe itching
• Thick mucus discharge
• Drooping eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment Involves:

• Prescription eye drops—steroids or mast cell stabilizers
• Regular monitoring from an eye doctor in Monterey
  
• Special care to avoid rubbing the eyes

These forms of conjunctivitis need medical attention. Don’t self-diagnose or wait it out—get help early to protect your sight.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to put up with itchy, irritated eyes any longer. Take action today—know your triggers, make smart changes, and get the care your eyes deserve. For trusted support, schedule a visit with Eye MD Monterey – Upper Ragsdale Dr. Relief starts with one step—and we’re here to help you take it. Book your appointment now.