How to relieve itchy eyes in the summer

The sun, pollen, and even going swimming can lead to red, irritated, and itchy eyes in summer. Max Halford, Clinical and Policy Director at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), and Lavnish Joshi, consultant ophthalmologist, tell us more on how to look after your eyes in summer.

Why are my eyes itchy?

Both Joshi and Halford explain that the most common eye issue experienced during the summer is 'allergic conjunctivitis', which causes itchy eyes.

Halford explains that summer is the traditional time for seasonal allergies and the time some people start having swollen, irritated, red, and itchy eyes. The main symptoms can be grouped together under the title, 'allergic conjunctivitis'.

"Causes are sometimes difficult to pin down," he says. "But pollen, particularly some grass and tree pollens, dust mites, and other outdoor allergens are the usual culprits."

Joshi adds that people who experience dry eyes may find their symptoms worsen in the heat, or when an room has air-conditioning.

Your eyes need care all year round but allergic reactions to environmental factors such as pollen can give you itchy eyes, so they may need a little extra TLC in the summer.

"Avoiding the allergens is always a good starting point but sometimes difficult advice to follow," says Halford. "Certainly if its grass pollen that triggers your allergies, then avoiding a newly mown lawn is to be recommended."

Speaking of sun, did you know the UV rays emitted by the sun can damage your eyes just as much as your skin?

"Too much exposure to UV light can increase the chance of certain eye conditions over time, such as clouding of the lens (cataract), growth on the eye (pterygium), and possibly AMD," Joshi adds.

"Looking directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse, can damage the eye's retina and can cause blindness."

Each of these conditions can impact your vision, so it's extremely important you protect your eyes with sunglasses, which should help prevent itchy eyes by blocking potential irritants anyway.

Joshi suggests you look for sunglasses with UV400 protection.

Joshi explains that while allergic conjunctivitis cannot be prevented, itchy eyes can be managed. That includes taking steps to ensure pollen and other irritants stay out of your eyes.

"Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms can be managed using anti-allergy drops and even the same tablets used to manage hay fever," he says.

"When spending long periods of time outside, I would advise that you shower and change clothes as soon as you get home to wash any pollen off. If you're at home, try to keep the windows and doors closed and steam or clean your face a few times throughout the day."

He also suggests putting some Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen, or wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop the pollen from getting into your eyes. If your eyes are particularly sore and itchy after a shower, you could try soothing them with a cool damp cloth or some cucumber slices.

Halford adds that eye drops may help relieve irritated eyes for some people.

What about looking after your eyes when you're swimming - after all who doesn't like a dip in a cool pool on a hot day?

If you're a contact lens wearer, you need to remember they don't mix well with swimming.

Joshi adds that good eye hygiene is important for avoiding eye infections when swimming - both bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis.

"It is also best to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes especially when outside and if you haven't washed your hands," he says. "This may be a reason for itchy eyes."

When using communal areas, such as swimming pools, maintaining good hand hygiene reduces the chance of acquiring infective conjunctivitis. Wearing goggles while in swimming pools can help to protect your eyes from being irritated by chlorine and reduce exposure to infectious agents.

If you do find that you have especially itchy eyes in summer, or perhaps you just need some medical advice on how to protect them, Halford suggests a trip to your local opticians.

"They will be able to identify any concerns and offer appropriate advice and guidance to help," he explains. "Dispensing opticians are there to ensure your glasses and sunglasses are offering you the best protection and are fitting well. They can advise on a range of eye protection all year round."