Eyewear for Allergy: Do Sunglasses Help With Allergies

Suffering from allergies is beyond annoying and can ruin a day (or an entire season). If pollen and other irritants have you squinting and itchy, you’ll probably take any relief you can get.

What if we told you that sunglasses can be your secret weapon?

A stylish pair of sunglasses can do more than make you look good — this accessory may take the edge off when it comes to allergies. It's time to do something about your red, watery, itchy eyes. We're exploring how the right shades can make allergy season a little more bearable and a lot more fashionable.

What Triggers Allergies?

Before we explore how sunglasses may be able to help with your allergies, let's dive into what causes these annoying symptoms in the first place.

Allergies have many triggers, but here are a few of the most common ones:

• Pollen: Pollen is small but mighty when it comes to causing problems. It comes from trees, grasses, and weeds and is the main culprit behind seasonal allergies. It tends to peak during spring and fall, and you may find yourself staying indoors at all costs during this time.
• Dust Mites: Hearing about these microscopic bugs will make your skin crawl and may be the cause of your allergies. They thrive in household dust, especially in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.
• Pet Dander: Your dog or cat may be your best friend, but pet dander can be a real problem. The skin cells your pets shed can trigger allergies non-stop.
• Mold Spores: Don't ignore mold. It thrives in damp, humid environments and releases spores into the air that can cause allergic reactions — and worse.
• Other Irritants: A whole host of irritants can cause allergy-like symptoms, such as smoke, pollution, and strong odors, among others, can cause allergy-like symptoms.

What Are Some Common Allergy Symptoms?

When allergens come into contact with your eyes, they can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. Here's what you may experience:

• Itchy Eyes: One of the most common symptoms is itchy eyes. It can be intense and make it hard to stop rubbing.
• Redness: The blood vessels in your eyes can dilate in response to the allergens. If your eyes look red and inflamed, you are most likely having an allergic reaction.
• Watery Eyes: Your body will try to rid itself of the allergen by washing it away, so you may experience a lot more tear production.
• Swelling: Eyelids can become puffy and swollen, which isn't the best look.
• Burning Sensation: A stinging or burning sensation in your eyes is another common sensation that is definitely not fun.
• Blurred Vision: Excessive tearing and swelling can temporarily affect your vision. The combination of symptoms makes it hard to see clearly.

How Can Sunglasses Help With Allergies?

Knowing what causes these symptoms is the first step in managing your allergies. Now that we've covered the basics, let's see how a simple pair of sunglasses can offer some much-needed relief! However, it's important to note they can't help with all of the above causes. You should always consult your doctor if you're experiencing an allergic reaction.

Here's how a pair of shades can help keep some symptoms at bay:

Barrier Protection

Imagine opening your door on a spring day, and a gust of wind immediately covers you with pollen. Your sunglasses can be a stylish shield from nature's attack. While the glasses can't keep 100% of the pollen and other airborne allergens out of your eyes, they can help.

One study found that sunglasses significantly reduced eye symptoms. Researchers looked at 39 patients split into two groups over four weeks. The first group took an allergy medication, and the second group wore sunglasses in addition to the medication. The second group experienced fewer symptoms than the first group after four weeks.

Reducing Light Sensitivity

People suffering from allergy symptoms often experience increased sensitivity to light. Bright days are almost unbearable when eye irritation occurs. Sunglasses can come to the rescue and block out those blinding rays.

Even if you're not having an allergy problem, sunglasses can prevent eye strain and squinting when you're outdoors.

UV Protection

When battling your allergies, it can be easy to forget about harmful UV rays. The more exposure to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing serious eye problems later in life, such as macular degeneration.

In the short term, overexposure can lead to photokeratitis, which is like a sunburn on your eyes. Many of the symptoms of photokeratitis are similar to an allergic reaction. Sunglasses with a UV protective coating can protect your eyes from the sun's damaging rays.

Exposure to these rays can aggravate allergy symptoms by causing further irritation and dryness. By safeguarding your eyes, your sunglasses are pulling double duty — protecting you from the sun and allergens.

How To Choose the Right Sunglasses for Allergy Relief

Are you looking for the perfect pair of allergy-fighting sunglasses? We have you covered (literally). Let's review what makes a great pair of shades and how to choose the right ones for maximum relief and style.

Style and Fit

First things first — frame style and fit are essential. Choose frames that complement your face shape. More oversized sunglasses, such as The Murphy style, can offer more coverage for your eyes, making it harder for annoying pollen to sneak in.

Comfort is just as important as frame style. Try on the sunglasses to ensure they fit correctly and don't pinch or slide down your nose. Your sunglasses should make you feel confident while protecting you.

Whether you love a classic round look, bold cat eyes, or rectangular frames, Pair Eyewear has the perfect sunglasses. We offer a variety of options so you can find the frame style, color, and lens tint for you.

Lens Material and Coatings

Unfortunately, not all lenses are created equal. Your favorite pair of sunglasses may not be providing much, if any, real protection.

Here's what to look for:

• Polarized Lenses: These lenses provide optimal glare reduction. The coating is a must for light-sensitive eyes and a lifesaver on sunny days and when near reflective surfaces like water or roads.
• Anti-Reflective Coatings: These lenses help minimize reflections from your lenses' front and back surfaces, reducing eye strain and making your vision clearer.
• Scratch-Resistant Coating: No one wants to see through scuffed-up lenses. Scratch-resistant coatings keep lenses looking fresh and clear.

UV Protection

Choose sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. These sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays and prevent additional irritation that can worsen allergy symptoms. At Pair Eyewear, all of our sunglasses and Sun Tops block 100% UVA and UVB rays.

Lens Color and Tint

The color and tint of your lenses is more than just a style choice. It can make a big difference in comfort.

• Gray Lenses: This tint reduces overall brightness without distorting colors. They are great for everyday wear.
• Brown or Amber Lenses: These colors can enhance contrast and depth perception, which can be particularly useful on cloudy days or in low-light conditions.
• Orange Lenses: This tint is ideal for low-light and overcast conditions. The orange color can improve contrast and clarity.

Pair Eyewear sunglasses come in a variety of lens tints, including all of the above!

How Can You Manage Eye Allergies?

There are some easy yet effective habits and tips you can implement to keep those allergies in check. Sunglasses are a great addition but are not the only way to win the battle against allergies.

Eye Hygiene

Keeping your eyes clean and not making the symptoms worse is crucial.

• Hands Off: As much as you want to go to town rubbing your itchy eyes, resist the urge. Rubbing can worsen the irritation and spread allergens. Instead, try splashing your eyes with cool water to soothe the itch. Dab to dry, don't rub!
• Clean Up: Wash your face and eyelids regularly, especially after going outside. Using a gentle cleanser will help remove any lingering pollen or dust. Don't forget your sunglasses. Cleaning off the lenses will prevent allergens from building up. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe them clean.
• Eye Drops: Over-the-counter allergy eye drops may offer some relief by flushing out allergens. Keep a bottle in your car or bag to use when you're on the go.

Consult With Professionals

When your allergy symptoms are rearing their ugly head, don't hesitate to seek professional help. If your symptoms persist or worsen, make an appointment with your eye doctor. They can recommend the best treatment options or prescribe stronger medications to help manage your allergies.

You can also visit an allergist for tests to pinpoint your specific allergens. You can get a personalized treatment plan once you know what's causing the problem.

Sunglasses to the Rescue

Imagine a pair of sunglasses that could change the game in your fight against allergies. Pair Eyewear sunglasses and Sun Tops are designed to do just that.

They create a barrier that prevents some of the airborne irritants from reaching your eyes, offering you relief and comfort during allergy season.

Sources:

Eye Allergy / Allergic Conjunctivitis | AAFA

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) | National Eye Institute

​​Protective efficacy of sunglasses on the conjunctival symptoms of seasonal rhinitis | PubMed

Ultraviolet (UV) protection | AOA