The Allergy Symptom That Strikes After Summer

You might expect itchy, watery eyes in the thick of allergy season…

But many people find their eye symptoms flare up as summer winds down—even without the classic sneezing and sniffles.

And the real culprit might surprise you.

By late summer, pollen from weeds, lingering smoke, mold spores, and household dust can still trigger allergic reactions—especially in the eyes.

These types of allergic eye responses—like allergic conjunctivitis—can disrupt tear production and dry out the eyes, leading to redness, burning, or that scratchy, “sandpaper” feeling.

And that’s not all…

Some of the most common over-the-counter allergy treatments, particularly oral antihistamines, actually worsen dry eye by reducing tear secretion.

That means people can wind up stuck in a frustrating cycle: Treating allergy symptoms… while unintentionally making their eye irritation even worse.

Most doctors recommend basic strategies like:

• Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses
• Keeping windows closed on high pollen or windy days
• Washing your face and hands after outdoor exposure
• Using artificial tears or preservative-free eye drops

But many patients find these are only temporary fixes.

If you want to support your eyes from the inside out, try this…

These two supplements have been shown to naturally support tear production and reduce the inflammation that makes dry eyes worse:

Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in fish oil or krill oil, omega-3s improve the quality and quantity of your tears by calming inflammation around the tear glands. They’re especially helpful if you’re on allergy meds or spend long hours on screens.

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)
This lesser-known omega-6 fatty acid—found in evening primrose oil or borage oil—has been clinically shown to relieve dry eye, particularly in people with inflammation-driven conditions like seasonal allergies or autoimmune issues.

Both are widely available as supplements and can safely be taken together for stronger results.

So if your eyes feel gritty, red, or extra sensitive this time of year, don’t write it off as a summer fluke.

Support your body naturally—and give your eyes the hydration they deserve.

To keeping your eyes clear and your health in focus,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Semalgutide users going blind?! Learn more here.

Sources:

Fletcher, J. (2020, August 17). What to know about dry eyes due to allergies. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-eyes-from-allergies#fa-qs