Allergies can cause temporary eye blurriness. When allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander contact your eyes, they trigger an immune response. This reaction leads to various eye symptoms, including blurred vision.
How Allergies Affect Vision
Allergic reactions in the eyes primarily involve the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This inflammation, known as allergic conjunctivitis, is initiated when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. In response, specialized cells in the eyes, called mast cells, release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals.
Histamine causes blood vessels in the conjunctiva to expand, leading to redness and swelling. This swelling can distort the eye’s surface and interfere with the tear film, the thin layer of fluid that coats the eye. An unstable tear film scatters light, resulting in blurry vision. Excessive tear production and mucus discharge, the body’s attempt to flush out allergens, can also temporarily cloud vision. Swelling of the eyelids can press on the eyes, contributing to blurriness.
Accompanying Eye Symptoms
Eye blurriness due to allergies often appears alongside other common ocular allergy symptoms. Individuals frequently experience intense itching, which can lead to a strong urge to rub the eyes. The eyes may also become noticeably red or bloodshot due to dilated blood vessels.
Excessive watering or tearing is another frequent symptom as the eyes attempt to flush out irritants. A gritty sensation, as if something is in the eye, can also occur. Eyelids may appear swollen or puffy, and increased sensitivity to light can be experienced.
Relief Strategies for Allergic Eyes
Managing allergic eye symptoms, including blurriness, often begins with reducing exposure to allergens. Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons and using air conditioning can minimize outdoor allergen entry into homes. Wearing glasses or sunglasses outdoors provides a physical barrier against airborne allergens. Regularly cleaning your home, including using “mite-proof” bedding covers and washing linens in hot water, can help control indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
For immediate relief, applying a cool compress to closed eyes can reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. Over-the-counter options such as lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help wash away allergens and re-moisten the eyes. Antihistamine eye drops are also available and work by blocking the effects of histamine, providing relief from itching and redness.
When to Consult a Doctor
While allergy-induced blurriness is often temporary, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Consult an eye doctor if blurriness persists after managing allergy symptoms, or if it is severe. Any sudden changes in vision, such as significant vision loss or flashes of light, warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Other symptoms like severe eye pain, or if over-the-counter remedies do not provide relief, require professional assessment. These signs could point to conditions unrelated to allergies, such as infections, dry eye syndrome, or more serious eye diseases like glaucoma or retinal issues. An eye care professional can accurately diagnose the cause of the blurriness and recommend appropriate treatment to protect your vision.