Why Spring & Antihistamines Can Worsen Dry Eye
And how a smarter, eyelid-centered approach can truly improve quality of life

Spring is the season of allergies.But for many people, it’s also the season when the eyes suffer the most.You take your antihistamine.Your nasal symptoms improve.The allergy seems “controlled.”

And yet, your eyes are:

If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Why spring is the worst season for your eyes

 

In spring, multiple aggravating factors hit at the same time:

Together, these create a “perfect storm” for the ocular surface — especially in people with allergies.

What is really happening to the eyes during allergy season

 

- Redness,burning, tearing, and fatigue often come not from ongoing allergy exposure, but from:

 

According to TFOS DEWS II (2017), the most common cause of ocular discomfort is evaporative dry eye, not simply “not enough tears.”

Antihistamines: essential for allergy control — not neutral for the eyes

 

Clinical studies suggest antihistamines may:

allergy controlled, but eyes not protected. allergy controlled, but eyes not protected.

Artificial tears: necessary, but not sufficient

 

Do Artificial tears are a key support tool during allergy season.

Options such as:

and anti-allergic eye drops (e.g., mast cell stabilizers and/or mild anti-inflammatory allergy drops) can help:

  • hydratethe ocular surface
  • the ocular surface
  • reduce the “allergic load” reaching the eye surface

However:

  • they mainly support the aqueous layer
  • they do not restore the lipid layer
  • they do not improve eyelid function

The true regulator: the eyelids

 

Chronic ocular surface inflammation is often maintained primarily by the eyelids

(Baudouin C. et al., The Ocular Surface).

Eyelid hygiene — the first critical step

 

Daily eyelid cleansing helps remove:

  • pollen
  • allergens
  • microbial load

Naviblef .

– gentle daily hygiene

– suitable for long-term use

– external use on the eyelids only

– activity against bacteria & Demodex

– use up to 15 days

Where Ophthalmogen

Ophthalmogen does not replace medication.It supports the system where medication does not act directly.

– controlled warmth

– supports meibomian gland function

– faster treatment of allergic conditions

– eyelid massage without rinsing

– ideal before sleep

– suitable for long-term use

– spray onto closed eyes

– ideal for work and outdoor exposure

The smarter strategy during allergy season

Antihistamines → allergy control

Artificial tears (Navitae Plus, Navi Infla) → hydration & dilution of allergens

Eyelid hygiene (Naviblef) → reduction of eyelid allergic load

Ophthalmogen → eyelid decongestion and tear film stability support

Integration, not replacement.

FAQ

Are artificial tears useless?

No. They are helpful — but often not enough on their own.

Can I combine all of these daily?

Yes. Each step targets a different mechanism.

In Summary

  • Antihistamines are not “bad”
  • Artificial tears alone are not enough
  • Eyelid care is the key in spring
  • Quality of life can improve substantially

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