Seasonal and other allergies can produce burning, tearing, red and sore eyes. Eye redness and swelling caused by allergens is called allergic conjunctivitis. In many cases, you can treat your sore eyes at home by making simple lifestyle changes to reduce your exposure to allergens, but persistent cases may require medications or a visit to your eye doctor for relief.
Avoid Allergens
The best way to treat eyes that are red and sore due to allergies is to reduce your exposure to the allergens. If you are allergic to pollen, stay inside when possible during peak pollen season. Keep the windows and doors closed and change your clothing when you come in from outside. When you must be out, wear wraparound sunglasses to keep as much pollen as possible out of your eyes. Shower before going to bed to remove pollen from your hair and prevent transferring it to your pillow.
Soothing Care
Red, itchy eyes can get more red and irritated if you are rubbing or scratching them, so try to keep your hands off. A cold compress can bring soothing relief; try placing a wet washcloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then applying it to the eyes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them if your eyes are especially itchy and red. Also, remove any eye makeup to avoid it running into your eyes if they are tearing.
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, allergies can present a special challenge. Your eyes may feel even worse when you wear your contacts, and, if you rub your eyes, you can damage your contact lenses. If your symptoms are severe, try switching to eyeglasses until your eyes feel better. Disposable contact lenses that you throw away every night are another option; this type of lens may be less likely to exacerbate irritation caused by allergies. Do not use any eyedrops while wearing contact lenses before checking with your eye doctor, because certain drops may damage your lenses.
Medications
Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter eyedrops that may soothe red, irritated eyes. Drops work more quickly than oral medications, according to All About Vision. Oral antihistamines can change the way your body responds to allergens, and decongestants can reduce the redness in your eyes. If your sore, red eyes do not respond to home remedies and over-the-counter medications, ask your doctor about prescription medications, such as steroid eyedrops or stronger antihistamines.
