Itchy, Watery Eyes: Eye Allergy Care in NYC

Eyes itchy, red and watering? Itching is the hallmark of eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis). They usually affect both eyes and often come with sneezing or a runny nose. Pollen, dust mites, pets and mold are the most common triggers.

Dr. Arthur Lubitz, a board-certified allergist and immunologist in Midtown Manhattan, finds out what is triggering your eye symptoms and builds a plan to control them.

Allergies, dry eye or infection?

• Eye allergies: itching, redness, watery eyes and puffy eyelids, usually in both eyes. Often seasonal (spring and fall in New York) or year-round with dust mites and pets.
• Dry eye: a gritty, burning or tired feeling, often worse with screens, wind or heated air. Allergies and dry eye can happen together, and some oral allergy pills can make dryness worse.
• Infection: thick yellow or green discharge, crusted lids, or symptoms that start in one eye. See your doctor or an eye doctor for these.

How Dr. Lubitz helps

1. Finding the trigger. Allergy testing shows what you react to, with skin test results the same visit.
2. Treatment that fits. Allergy eye drops, treating nasal allergies that often go with eye symptoms, and practical steps to reduce exposure.
3. Long-term relief. For people with symptoms every season, allergy shots or drops can reduce allergy symptoms over time.

Get urgent eye care if

you have eye pain, changes in vision, strong sensitivity to light, or an eye injury.

Related: sneezing and runny nose · seasonal allergies · allergic rhinitis

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor or call 911.