Allergies such as those from pollens often affect the eyes. This may cause symptoms such as redness, tearing, itching and discomfort. Your eyelids may also swell and you could have a thick discharge from your eyes. Many people do not experience complications from these allergy symptoms, but severe reactions could result in episodes of blurry vision. Knowing causes for vision changes may help you identify a problem early, and this could help you prevent worsening of your condition.
Vision
You may have allergy-related vision changes if you have swollen eyelids. In this case, the vision changes do not indicate a serious condition but stem from the swollen lids pressing against your eye. This causes a slight change in the shape of your eyeball, resulting in eyesight change. As the swelling goes down your vision should return to normal. Discomfort and irritation may cause dryness on the surface of your eyes. This may also cause episodes of blurry vision.
Treatment
A change in vision from eye allergies does not require a change in your eyeglass prescription. You should talk to your eye doctor, however, since you may need an eye drop to relieve the allergy symptoms. If you have swelling, hold a washcloth dampened with cool water against your eyelids, and this may offer some relief. For irritation and dry eye, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter artificial tear to relieve your symptoms and help improve your vision changes.
Other Causes
Changes in vision may stem from sources other than eye allergies. A slow, progressive change could result from conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. Gradual changes may not indicate an eye problem, but may require you to update your prescription eyewear. However, a sudden loss of vision may occur for a number of reasons including macular degeneration or a retinal detachment.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor if you experience chronic eye allergies or if your allergy symptoms worsen. You may need to take an allergy medication to help prevent flare ups. If you experience vision changes, contact your eye doctor immediately. Sudden vision changes in particular often require prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
