Fall brings colour to the trees, but for many Edmonton locals, it also brings itchy, burning eyes. When you know the symptoms, you can recognize and treat eye allergies during Alberta’s allergy season.
With personalized treatment and preventive care, Millwoods Eye Clinic helps you enjoy the season with clear, comfortable vision. That is why our team recommends starting with a comprehensive eye exam. During your visit, our eye doctors can identify whether your symptoms stem from allergies, dry eye, or another condition, and provide a clear plan to relieve discomfort.
Eye Allergies vs Dry Eye
It is easy to mistake seasonal allergies and eyes for dry eye disease, since both cause burning and redness. However, the two conditions differ in cause and treatment:
- Allergic conjunctivitis is driven by an immune response to allergens like pollen.
- Dry eye disease stems from insufficient tear production or poor tear quality.
If eye allergy symptoms worsen outdoors or improve with oral antihistamines, allergies are likely the cause. Conversely, if symptoms persist year-round or after screen time, dry eye may be to blame.
Eye Allergies Treatment Options
Finding relief from eye allergies during the fall starts with a personalized plan. Here are the most effective strategies:
1. Minimize Allergen Exposure
- Keep windows closed on windy days.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter indoors.
- Wash your hands and face after being outdoors.
2. Apply Cold Compresses
A simple cold compress can make a significant difference for irritated, swollen eyes. Applying a clean, cool cloth across the closed eyelids for a few minutes helps shrink blood vessels, easing redness and itching caused by histamine release.
3. Use Artificial Tears
Lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears, rinse allergens off the eye’s surface and restore moisture to dry, irritated eyes. We often recommend preservative-free formulas, which are gentle enough for frequent use.
4. Antihistamine or Mast Cell Stabilizer Drops
For moderate to severe eye allergies in the fall, medicated drops are often the most effective treatment. Antihistamine drops block the effects of histamines that cause redness, itching, and burning, while mast cell stabilizers prevent future allergic reactions by reducing the body’s inflammatory response.
5. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Though it may feel like a temporary relief, rubbing your eyes actually releases more histamine and can worsen swelling and redness. Over time, constant rubbing can even damage the corneal surface. Instead, apply cool compresses or lubricating drops to ease discomfort.
6. Schedule an Eye Exam for Targeted Relief
If your symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by vision changes, a professional evaluation is essential. A comprehensive eye exam at Millwoods Eye Clinic allows our eye doctors to rule out other conditions, such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, or dry eye disease, which can mimic allergic conjunctivitis symptoms.
Prevention Tips for Eye Allergy Season in Edmonton, AB
Edmonton’s dry, windy climate makes it difficult to avoid airborne allergens entirely, but small lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms:
- Shower before bed to remove pollen from skin and hair.
- Keep pets off bedding and upholstered furniture.
- Clean vents before turning on the heat in the fall.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield eyes from airborne irritants.
- Stay hydrated and maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.
Our team at Millwoods Eye Clinic is happy to help patients identify personalized solutions, from recommending allergy-friendly contact lenses to suggesting home humidifiers that make indoor air more comfortable.
Protect Your Eyes from Fall Allergies in Edmonton, AB
Seasonal allergies can do more than cause irritation—they can impact your long-term eye health. The optometrists at Millwoods Eye Clinic offer proactive solutions that relieve symptoms now and safeguard your vision for the future.
Book your eye care appointment with our experienced team at Millwoods Eye Clinic to keep your eyes healthy through every season.
Fall Eye Allergies FAQs
Can wearing contact lenses worsen fall allergies?
Contacts can trap allergens against the eye, increasing discomfort. Switching to daily disposable lenses or using allergy-friendly materials may help reduce irritation.
Can fall allergies cause blurry vision?
Yes. When the eyes become inflamed or watery from allergens, light can scatter across the cornea, leading to temporary blurriness. If vision remains blurry after allergy symptoms improve, schedule an exam at Millwoods Eye Clinic to rule out other eye conditions.
Why are my eyes worse indoors during allergy season?
Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander can increase in the fall when windows stay closed and heating systems circulate air. Regular cleaning, air purifiers, and proper humidity control can help reduce these triggers.