When Allergies Go Beyond Itchy Eyes: What Your Vision Might Be Telling You

Most people expect allergies to bring itching, sneezing, or congestion. But seasonal allergies can affect your vision and eye comfort in ways that go far beyond simple irritation. If you’ve noticed blurry vision, burning, or increased sensitivity during allergy season, your eyes may be signaling something more.

How Allergies Affect Your Tear Film

Allergies don’t just irritate the surface of your eyes - they can also disrupt the tear film, the protective moisture layer that keeps your vision clear and your eyes comfortable. When allergens interfere with this delicate balance, you may experience burning, stinging, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation. These symptoms can indicate ocular allergies, but they also overlap with conditions like dry eye disease, which is often mistaken for allergies.

Blurry Vision: When It’s More Than Inflammation

Temporary blur can happen when your eyes are inflamed, but persistent or fluctuating blurry vision may be a sign that your cornea is swelling - a condition associated with allergic conjunctivitis. This swelling can make focusing difficult and cause your vision to change throughout the day, especially during activities like reading or working on screens.

Is It Allergies, or Is It Dry Eye?

For many patients, what feels like allergies is actually dry eye - or related conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or blepharitis. These issues can cause inflammation along the eyelids, poor tear quality, and irritation that closely mimics allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamine drops can worsen dryness and make symptoms more uncomfortable. If your eyes burn later in the day, blur improves after blinking, your eyelids feel irritated, or discomfort increases in air-conditioned environments, dry eye, MGD, or blepharitis may be the true cause.

Why Contact Lens Wearers Struggle More

Contact lens wearers often have a tougher time during allergy season. Pollen can cling to lenses, leading to redness, irritation, cloudiness, or reduced wearing time. Switching to daily disposable lenses or using lenses designed to maintain moisture can dramatically improve comfort and clarity.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Consider scheduling an eye exam if you have:

• Persistent blurry vision

• Pain or pressure around the eyes

• Increased light sensitivity

• Thick or unusual discharge

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Symptoms lasting longer than two weeks

These signs often point to more than simple allergies and should be evaluated promptly.

Get Personalized Eye Care From Dr. Herring

Allergies may begin as mild irritation, but they can quickly impact your clarity and comfort. Knowing when symptoms are normal and when they indicate something deeper is key to protecting your vision. A comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Bri can identify the true cause and ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

If your allergies seem to be affecting your vision or your symptoms aren’t improving, contact Brianna Herring, O.D. to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and get relief for your eyes. Visit our office in Deerfield Beach or Plantation, Florida. Please call (786) 891-2020 or (954) 472-2676 to book an appointment today.