Spring in New Zealand often brings a welcome lift — longer days, warmer temperatures, and a sense of renewal that makes many of us feel lighter and more positive. But for others, spring also means the return of itchy, red, watery eyes. Allergies are becoming increasingly common in Aotearoa, and the eyes are often the first place to show it.

Ocular allergy — also called allergic conjunctivitis — can be more than just a seasonal nuisance. For many Kiwis, it’s a recurring or even year-round problem that impacts comfort, work, school, and quality of life.

How Common is Ocular Allergy in New Zealand?

Around 30 - 40% of New Zealanders live with allergies, and a significant proportion experience eye symptoms. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) are on the rise, with hay fever and environmental triggers playing a big role.

Māori and Pasifika communities are disproportionately affected — experiencing ocular allergy two to four times more often than other groups.

Why is Ocular Allergy Increasing?

While we don’t know all the reasons, several factors are thought to contribute:

• Environmental changes – warmer temperatures and longer pollen seasons.
• Urban living – more exposure to air pollution and allergens.
• Lifestyle changes – spending more time indoors with dust mites, pets, and mould.

Common Allergens in New Zealand

Typical triggers include dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, and pollen. In New Zealand, pollens are a particularly common culprit. The main offenders are:

• Grasses – ryegrass, cocksfoot, paspalum
• Trees – birch, oak, pine
• Weeds – plantain, dock

These airborne particles can easily irritate the eyes, leading to the hallmark symptoms of ocular allergy.

Types of Ocular Allergy

Not all allergic eye conditions are the same. Some are mild and seasonal, while others can be long-lasting or even sight-threatening.

• Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC): Usually flares in spring and summer when pollen counts are high. Symptoms include itchy, red, watery eyes. Often called Hayfever, can affect the nose also.
• Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC): Symptoms occur year-round and are often linked to dust mites, pets, or mould.
  

More severe forms are less common but require careful management:

• Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC): A rare but potentially sight-threatening condition. It usually affects children or young adults, causing intense itching, pain, light sensitivity, and thick “ropey” mucus discharge.
• Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC): A chronic, severe allergy linked with eczema and asthma. It causes similar symptoms to VKC and can damage the cornea if not managed properly.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

If you experience ocular allergy, common signs and symptoms can include:

• Itchy, watery, or burning eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Swollen or puffy eyelids
• Blurry vision during flare-ups
• Mucus-like (sometimes stringy) discharge

You’re not alone — ocular allergy is very common. While it’s rarely a serious threat to your vision, it can be frustrating and significantly affect day-to-day comfort and quality of life.

Treatment Options

The good news is that relief is possible. Ocular allergy can usually be managed with a combination of simple lifestyle adjustments and targeted treatments tailored to your symptoms:

First-line Treatments

• Antihistamine Drops - e.g. Livostin®, sometimes added at night.
• Mast Cell Stabiliser Drops - e.g, Alomide® or Opticrom®.
• Multiple Action Anti-Allergy Eye Drops - combines an antihistamine and a mast cell stabiliser for ease e.g. Patanol®, usually used twice daily for at least a month.
• Lubricating (non-preserved) Eye Drops – to wash away allergens and soothe irritation.
• Cold Compresses – to relieve itch and swelling.
• Avoiding Allergens – keeping windows closed during high pollen counts, washing bedding frequently, and using HEPA filters indoors.
  
  

Second-line Treatments (when symptoms are more severe):

• Prescription Steroid Eye Drops - short-term only, under supervision
• Oral Antihistamines - sometimes useful, but can cause dry eyes 
• Immunomodulators for long-term control in complex cases

Ocular Allergy and Dry Eye - Is There a Link?

Yes — and it can be a frustrating one. Both conditions share overlapping symptoms like burning, watering, and fluctuating vision. Rubbing itchy eyes can also worsen dry eye by interrupting the tear film. Careful diagnosis is key to tailoring the right treatment.

Ocular Allergy and Contact Lenses - Can I wear them? 

If you wear contact lenses, you might find that allergies make your eyes more uncomfortable. However, many people do not know that daily disposable contact lenses can actually improve symptoms for ocular allergy sufferers, fresh lenses every day reduce allergen build-up. One study found daily disposable lenses reduced signs like redness, conjunctival staining, and roughness in palpebral conjunctiva compared to no lens.

Here’s the Science.

• Reduced allergen and deposit build-up: Reusable lenses accumulate proteins, lipids, environmental particles, pollen, etc. Over time, these deposits can irritate the eye and exacerbate allergic reactions. Daily disposables start fresh each day, so there’s far less time for buildup.
• Less interaction with cleaning or disinfecting solutions: Reusable lenses often require cleaning, soaking, and storing in solutions that may themselves irritate sensitive eyes, especially if allergens or residues remain. Daily disposables bypass most of that process.
• Barrier effect: A daily lens covers the ocular surface, which may physically block or slow airborne allergens landing directly on the cornea/conjunctiva. Some daily disposable lenses even have enhanced lubricating or wetting agents that can help trap or wash away allergens more readily.
• Better tear film/a healthier ocular surface: Because daily lenses are fresh and cleaner, they tend to interfere less with the tear film, reducing dryness, irritation, and inflammation - all of which amplify allergy symptoms.

At Illume Eye Care, we offer a comprehensive selection of the latest contact lens technologies. Our optometrists provide expert guidance on the benefits, advantages, and limitations of each option, ensuring you receive personalised care tailored to your individual needs.

How Illume Eye Care Can Help

At Illume Eye Care, we understand the science of ocular allergy and how it impacts daily life. Our experienced, therapeutically qualified optometrists can prescribe ocular medicines, provide tailored lifestyle advice, and help protect your eyes long term. 

Whether you’re battling seasonal pollen, year-round triggers, or more complex allergic eye disease, we’ll work with you to find relief so your eyes can feel comfortable and clear again.