Allergies in Texas are no joke. Just ask Teresa, who lives near Georgetown and always gets the telltale sneezing fits and scratchy throat every spring. But last year, her eyes felt worse than usual. They weren’t just watery and red, they were swollen, irritated, and impossible to ignore.
At first, she blamed the usual cedar pollen. But when over-the-counter drops stopped working and the burning kept her up at night, she called Honest Eye Doctor in Round Rock. The culprit? A combination of allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye. Thankfully, our team got her the targeted relief she needed— fast.
Many Texans chalk up red or itchy eyes to seasonal allergies, but not every case is as straightforward as it seems.
Red, Itchy, or Puffy: When Eye Allergies Are to Blame
Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of itchy, red, or watery eyes in Austin, Georgetown, and Round Rock. It happens when allergens, like pollen, pet dander, or dust, trigger inflammation in the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
Common symptoms include:
- Red or pink eyes
- Itchy or burning eyelids
- Puffy lids or undereye swelling
- Excessive tearing
- Stringy discharge (not thick or crusty)
- Light sensitivity
These symptoms usually come on suddenly and often appear alongside classic allergy symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion.
But here’s the thing: Not all red, itchy eyes are caused by allergies. Sometimes, irritation is a sign of dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, or even an infection like bacterial conjunctivitis. And treating one like the other can make things worse.
When Over-the-Counter Drops Aren’t Enough
If you're reaching for allergy eye drops more than twice a day or not seeing results within a few days, it might be time to rethink your approach.
Over-the-counter antihistamine drops can provide short-term relief for mild symptoms, but they don’t work for everyone. And if you're experiencing symptoms like:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain or intense light sensitivity
- Mucus discharge or crusting
- Symptoms in only one eye
…it’s likely time to see a eye doctor. These signs could point to a more serious condition like dry eye, viral conjunctivitis, or even a corneal issue that needs professional care.
At Honest Eye Doctor, we treat more than seasonal irritation. We offer prescription solutions, custom dry eye therapy, and itchy eyelids treatment designed for long-term comfort, not just quick fixes.
Eye Allergy Treatment in Austin, Round Rock & Georgetown, TX
At Honest Eye Doctor, we see eye allergies every day, and we treat them with care, not assumptions. Our clinics in South Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown offer precise evaluations to determine whether your symptoms are allergy-related or something more.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may include:
- Prescription-strength antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer drops
- Lubricating drops for allergy-induced dry eye
- Eyelid cleansers for inflammation at the lash line
- Punctal plugs or in-office dry eye therapy
- Oral medications for stubborn allergic responses
We’ll talk through your environment, triggers, and daily habits to create a plan that doesn’t just mask symptoms, it tackles the cause.
Same-Day Appointments When You Need Relief Fast
Eye irritation can make everyday life harder—and in some cases, it can worsen quickly. That’s why we offer same-day and next-available appointments across our three Honest Eye Doctor locations.
Whether you're in Austin, Round Rock, or Georgetown, our team is here to help you feel better, fast. We don’t guess, we listen, we test, and we treat with clarity and care.
Book your comprehensive eye exam and find out what’s really behind your itchy, red eyes.