Up to 40% of us are experiencing eye issues (Image: Getty)
If your eyes have felt itchier, redder and more irritated than usual this spring, you’re not imagining it. Experts warn that a perfect storm of climate change and pollution is risking a sharp rise in eye allergies and, with it, a surge in conditions such as conjunctivitis, styes and blepharitis. And with “pollen seasons” projected to intensify – potentially doubling in length by 2040 – experts warn that eye allergies are becoming a major environmental health issue.
Pharmacist Noel Wicks, an adviser to GoldenEye, the experts behind a range of pharmacy eye drops and eye ointments to treat conjunctivitis, styes and blepharitis, explains: “This is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience. The combination of climate change and pollution means more people are experiencing more severe symptoms for longer periods. The key is awareness, prevention and early treatment.
“Our eyes are extremely vulnerable to irritants like dust, pollen and pet dander because they are constantly exposed to the environment. The surface of the eye contains immune proteins that react very easily with allergens such as pollen, triggering allergic conjunctivitis with symptoms of red, watery, itchy eyes.”
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A growing problem
Eye allergies are far more common than many people realise. Up to 40% of us will experience them at some point, with allergic conjunctivitis accounting for around 98% of cases. Eye allergies may occur on their own but they’re also closely linked to hayfever, affecting up to 70% of sufferers. And with hayfever rates having trebled over the past two decades, the knock-on effect on eye health is significant.
Recent research has shown that eye symptoms are as common and troublesome in people with hayfever as nasal symptoms are. Research suggests that up to 49% of the UK population have reported suffering from hayfever symptoms – meaning millions are also dealing with irritated, inflamed eyes.
GP Dr Janine David says: “Climate change is playing a major role. Warmer temperatures combined with higher carbon dioxide levels are fuelling plant growth and increasing pollen production. People are now noticing symptoms as early as late March.”
Why symptoms are getting worse
It’s not just that pollen season is arriving earlier – it’s lasting longer and becoming more intense. Warmer winters mean fewer frosts to halt plant growth, extending the pollen season. At the same time, hot, dry and windy weather helps pollen travel further and linger in the air. Even more concerning is how pollution is interacting with pollen.
Noel explains: “Air pollution – particularly from traffic fumes and other emissions borne out of manufacturing and product processes plus greenhouse gases – are effectively ‘supercharging’ pollen. Pollutant particles attach to pollen grains, making them more irritating and lowering the threshold for allergic reactions. Even people who have never had symptoms before may suddenly find themselves affected.
“Indoor environments aren’t much safer. Mould, dust mites, pet dander and smoke all contribute to the problem, while increased humidity can worsen mould growth – another key allergen.”
Emerging research also suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiome and the eye’s own surface bacteria may increase susceptibility to inflammation, making reactions more severe.
Blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelids and can be painful and inconvenient (Image: Getty)
What is blepharitis?
It causes inflammation of the eyelids and can either appear as:
Anterior blepharitis: inflammation at the base of the eyelid, which can be caused by bacteria like staphylococcal blepharitis or dermatitis, or;
Posterior blepharitis: an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which help to produce tears. 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.
Blepharitis is estimated to account for around 5% of eye health-related GP visits. According to one study, styes accounted for 4% of more than four million emergency department attendances for eye conditionsacross all age groups.
Dr Janine David says we need to take better care of our eyes (Image: Courtesy Janine David)
Complications
One of the most common complications of airborne allergies is allergic conjunctivitis. “It’s the eye’s response when it comes into contact with allergens such as pollution, pollen, pet fur and dust mites,” explains Dr David. “The main symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin skin on the inside of the eyelid – often caused by infection from a virus or bacteria or an allergen.
“The blood vessels of the sclera (the white of the eye) become dilated, giving us that red-eyed appearance. Theeyes may also feel gritty, sticky, burning or be watering more than usual. The impact for hayfever sufferers goes far beyond these symptoms, with allergic conjunctivitis also linked to styes and blepharitis, both of which are more common in the hayfever season and often linked to eye rubbing.
“A stye is a bacterial infection of either an eyelash follicleor a gland near the eyelashes. It causes a small, painful lump 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.” Styes are common, and they take up to two weeks to clear.
Why early treatment matters
Despite how common these eye symptoms are, many people simply put up with them. But ignoring eye irritation can lead to more serious problems. Noel warns: “Eye allergies are increasing globally, driven by rising pollution, longer pollen seasons, and increased allergen exposure, but relatively few people seek help. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to more serious eye problems.”
He recommends speaking to a pharmacist early and starting treatment promptly. “Over-the-counter topical treatments like GoldenEye eye drops will help. If there’s no improvement within a couple of days, you should see your GP.”
Rising pollen counts have been making life miserable for hayfever sufferers (Image: Getty / iStockphoto)
Protect your eyes in pollen season
With pollen levels rising and pollution intensifying, prevention and early action are key.
1. Keep your eyes clean every day: Dr David says: “Good eye hygiene is essential during allergy season. Gently washing your eyes in the evening helps remove pollen, dust and pollutants that have built up throughout the day. Use clean cotton wool for each eye and wipe from the inner corner outward to avoid spreading irritants or bacteria.”
2. Never rub your eyes: “It may feel instinctive, but rubbing your eyes makes things worse,” says Dr David. “It increases inflammation, pushes allergens deeper into the eye surface and can transfer bacteria from your hands – raising the risk of infections like styes.”
3. Act quickly at first sign of symptoms: Noel explains: “If you do get an eye infection, treat it immediately and go for GoldenEye Eye Drops, which contain propamidine isetionate (antiseptic) that stops bacteria from growing and multiplying, and controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection. This eye drop also has antifungal properties. There is also GoldenEye Eye Ointment which includes antiseptics which are not antibiotics – dibrompropamidine isethionate. These help to stop bacteria from growing and increasing. For acute bacterial conjunctivitis an ointment with the antibiotic – chloramphenicol – such as GoldenEye Antibiotic Eye Ointment should be reserved for acute infections to reduce antibiotic resistance.”
4. Wash hands regularly: “Your hands carry allergens and bacteria,” explains Noel. “Frequent handwashing reduces the risk of transferring these to your eyes, particularly if you wear contact lenses or touch your face often.”
5. Limit exposure to pollen and pollution: “Keep windows closed during high pollen days, especially early morning and evening when levels peak. When outdoors, wraparound sunglasses can act as a physical barrier, protecting your eyes from airborne particles,” says Dr David.
6. Be careful with contact lenses: “These can trap pollen and pollutants against the eye surface, increasing irritation. Always clean lenses before use if not dailies, and avoid wearing them if your eyes are inflamed or infected,” says Dr David.
7. Support your environment: Improving indoor air quality can make a difference. Regularly vacuum, reduce dust, and consider using an air purifier.
8. Know when to seek help: If symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or affect vision, seek advice. Prompt treatment prevents complications and ensures correct diagnosis.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
