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Eye Allergies: Are They Becoming All Too Common?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:34:29 GMT

Pharmacist, Noel Wicks, explores the rise in eye allergies

Watery, itchy eyes? You are certainly not alone. Environmental and seasonal allergies are becoming an increasing concern with rising pollen levels and air pollution among the key contributing factors – and that means more frequent and more intense eye irritation.

During spring and summer, hay fever is a common allergy, with research ¹ suggesting that up to 49% of the UK population report experiencing hay fever symptoms. And a study ² has shown that hay fever has tripled over the last 20 years.

Why are eye allergies on the increase?

Air pollution and pollen are key culprits. Let's take a closer look:

Longer, Stronger Pollen Season

Air Pollution

Air pollutants surround us. Particles so tiny we can’t see them. ³ Traffic and industry contribute to outdoor air pollutants, with mould, dust mites and irritants from cleaning products, paint, pet dander and even new furniture contributing to indoor pollutants. ⁴

The pollen season now goes beyond the late spring and summer months. ⁵ It is starting earlier, finishing later and becoming more intense – and people now start to notice itchy eyes starting as early as the month of March. ⁶

Due to changes in the climate, pollen spores are being released from trees, grasses, plants, flowers and weeds much earlier in the year, and this also means there is a greater concentration of pollen floating around. ⁷

These two key elements can be combined with other triggers, such as warmer temperatures, UV and sunlight, dehydration, swimming pool chemicals, and sleep problems, creating potential havoc for our eyes. ⁸

What's the impact on the eyes?

When allergens such as pollen, dust or pollution particles come into contact with the eyes, they trigger the immune system to release histamine. ⁹ The result? The familiar symptoms of itching, redness and excessive watering.

Allergies can trigger eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis , caused by allergens such as pollen, pollution, pet fur and dust mites. ¹⁰ It causes redness, itching and watery eyes due to inflammation of the conjunctiva. The blood vessels of the sclera (the white of the eye) become dilated, giving us that red-eyed appearance. ¹¹ The eyes may also feel gritty, itchy, sticky, burning or be watering more than usual. ¹²

Styes are small, painful lumps on or inside the eyelid or around the eye. The skin around the stye may be swollen and red, and the stye may be filled with yellow pus. ¹³ Styes are common, and they can take up to two weeks to clear. ¹⁴ Allergies are known risk factors for styes, ¹⁵ and people tend to get more styes during allergy season. ¹⁶ With the experience of itchy eye symptoms, it can feel impossible not to rub them.

Blepharitis is a common eye condition, estimated to account for around 5% of eye-health-related GP visits. ¹⁷ This condition causes inflammation of the eyelids. This can either be at the base of the eyelid, which can be caused by bacteria like staphylococcal blepharitis or seborrhoeic disorder (sometimes noted as seborrhoeic dermatitis) ¹⁸ or an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which help to produce tears. ¹⁹

Symptoms may include soreness, itching, a gritty feeling, flakes, or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes and eyelashes sticking together in the morning when you wake up. ⁵

GoldenEye ®: Helping To Support Your Eyes:

GoldenEye® offers a range of treatments for when eye infections happen and all handy self-care solutions for your first aid kit at home.

GoldenEye® Eye Drops

help to soothe and treat.

They contain propamidine isethionate, which works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection. ²⁰ These eye drops also have antifungal properties. ²¹

Always read the label.

GoldenEye ® Eye Ointment

is for conjunctivitis (red eye), styes and blepharitis (infection of the lid margins and eye follicles). It contains dibrompropamidine isethionate and antiseptics (not antibiotics), which help to stop bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Always read the label.

is intended for acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years and over and contains the antibiotic chloramphenicol. It should be reserved for acute infections to limit the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance).

Available from Boots.com

Always read the labe l.

GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment

References

Date of Prep: June 2026

Approval Code: GOL/26/07

Summer Up Your Eye Health

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:03:13 GMT

How to look out for our eyes through the spring and summer months

We all love the long, sunny summer days with many of us enjoying more of the outdoors. However with the summer sun, taking some time to look out for our eye health is a self-care essential.

Increased sunlight ¹ , warmer temperatures ² and airborne allergens ³ can all affect the eyes, but taking simple steps now can help reduce the risk of common seasonal conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes.

Spring and the summer months is synonymous with the allergy season. With high concentrations of pollen in the air, many of us will notice those telltale hay fever symptoms of itchy, watery, red eyes. GP, Dr Nisa Aslam notes:

“To minimise discomfort, consider antihistamines if you are prone to hay fever, wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen, avoid high pollen times, typically early morning and late evening, and use appropriate eye drops to soothe irritation."

“Besides pollen and hay fever, other allergies that may affect the eyes include dust mites, animal dander (tiny flakes of skin or hair), foods (such as nuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs, cow’s milk), insect bites and stings, latex, mould, and household chemicals.” ⁷

Sunlight and UV rays can play havoc with eyes and affect eye health, and UV light can damage all parts of the eye, including the eyelids. Dr Aslam explains:

“The National Eye Institute reports that prolonged exposure to UV rays can modify lens proteins, ⁸ leading to cataract formation and deteriorating eyesight." ⁹

“Wearing good-quality sunglasses with UV protection is a simple but effective preventative step.”

A simple way to help look after your eyes is to ensure your fluid intake is adequate, especially during warmer months. Dr Nisa Aslam notes further:

“Dehydration impacts the body similarly to warm temperatures, as reduced hydration levels lead to decreased tear production. Consequently, this can cause the eyes to become itchy, dry, and irritated."

“Ensuring adequate fluid intake helps maintain a healthy tear film and supports overall eye comfort.” ¹⁰

Sleep is one of the elixirs of good health, and this goes for your eyes as well. Dr Nisa Aslam explains:

“When we don’t get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep, this affects tear production, which can result in dry, tired eyes." ¹¹

“Prioritising consistent, good-quality sleep supports eye recovery and comfort.”

A diet that doesn’t include the right nutrients to support eye health can increase the risk of vision problems and certain eye conditions.

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals that help maintain healthy eyes and support long-term vision.
Key nutrients play an important role in helping to protect the structures of your eye, supporting your vision and potentially even reducing the risk of age-related conditions. ⁴ , ⁵
Aim for foods that are sources of vitamin A, C, E, zinc and omega-3, such as citrus fruits, spinach, kale, broccoli, eggs, poultry, oily fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds. ⁶

Eye Health Advice

GoldenEye ®: Helping To Support Your Eye Health Needs:

GoldenEye® offers a range of treatments for when eye infections happen and all handy self-care solutions for any first aid kit.

GoldenEye® Eye Drops

help to soothe and treat.

They contain propamidine isethionate, which works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection. ¹² These eye drops also have antifungal properties. ¹³

Always read the label.

GoldenEye ® Eye Ointment

 Always read the label.

Available from Boots.com

Always read the labe l.

GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment

References

https://www.aop.org.uk/campaigns-and-policy/campaigns/spf-for-your-eyes/uv-and-eye-health
www.college-optometrists.org/news/2022/july/we-urge-the-public-to-protect-their-eyes-as-the-uk
www.allergyuk.org/resources/allergic-rhinitis-and-hay-fever-fact-sheet/
www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/antioxidant-vitamins-and-zinc-reduce-risk-vision-loss-age-related-macular-degeneration
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition
https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/the-role-of-nutrition-in-visual-health-foods-that-nourish-the-eyes.pdf
Allergies - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Lens proteins account for the transparency of the lens
www.nei.nih.gov/research-and-training/research-news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25950246/
https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2128220
www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=CHEBI:87175
Engelbrecht, S. Engelbrecht, and DP Smit Smit. "Anti-infective ophthalmic preparations in general practice." South African General Practitioner 1.2 (2020): 69-75.

Date of Prep: June 2026

Approval Code: GOL/26/06