If your eyes feel itchy, watery, and irritated no matter the season, you’re not alone. While many people experience allergy symptoms only in spring or fall, some struggle with eye allergies all year long. Understanding the causes of year-round (perennial) eye allergies can help you find relief and protect your vision.
 

Indoor Allergens

The most frequent culprits of year-round eye allergies are indoor allergens that linger in your environment. Common triggers include dust mites - tiny bugs found in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. Their waste and body fragments can spark allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Pet dander, which consists of skin flakes, saliva, and urine from cats, dogs, or other animals, is another widespread allergen. Mold is also a common problem; mold spores thrive in damp places like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, and exposure to these spores can easily irritate your eyes.
 

Workplace Irritants

Your office or workplace can be another source of persistent eye irritation. Dust, cleaning chemicals, and poorly maintained air conditioning filters are common in these environments. Spending long hours exposed to these substances can lead to ongoing eye allergy symptoms, making your workday uncomfortable.
 

Environmental Pollutants

Even if pollen counts are low, environmental pollutants can still cause or worsen year-round eye allergy symptoms. Smoke, car exhaust, and chemical fumes are especially problematic in urban areas. These pollutants can irritate your eyes and intensify allergic reactions, sometimes making symptoms just as troublesome as those caused by traditional allergens.
 

Contact Lens Use

Wearing contact lenses can also play a role in ongoing eye allergy symptoms. Contacts can attract and hold allergens directly against the eye’s surface, potentially increasing irritation for people who are sensitive to indoor or outdoor triggers. This can make managing symptoms even more challenging if you rely on contact lenses for clear vision.
 

Symptoms to Watch For

Year-round eye allergies can cause:

• Itchy or burning eyes
• Redness
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Grittiness or the feeling of something in your eye

Why You Should See Your Eye Doctor

If you’re experiencing ongoing eye allergy symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with your eye doctor. While home remedies and lifestyle changes can help, only a thorough eye exam can identify the true cause of your discomfort. Sometimes, what feels like allergies may actually be dry eye disease or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which require different approaches to treatment.
 

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and determine the underlying cause. This allows for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, which may include prescription medications, specialized eye drops, or in-office procedures.
 

Seeing your optometrist not only helps you find lasting relief but also protects your long-term eye health. Professional care is the key to clear, comfortable vision all year round.
 

Find Relief at Eyes on Preston Park

Year-round eye allergies can be frustrating and disruptive, but understanding the sources of your symptoms is the first step toward relief. Many everyday irritants can trigger persistent eye discomfort, and sometimes what feels like allergies may actually be another underlying eye condition. The best way to protect your comfort and your vision is to seek professional guidance.
 

If you’re experiencing eye allergy symptoms, schedule a consultation with Eyes on Preston Park to find the right treatment for your needs. Visit our office in Plano, Texas, or call (972) 519-0006 to book an appointment today.