Hay fever, antihistamines and glaucoma

We often receive queries on the helpline about the use of other medications if you have glaucoma, particularly antihistamines. Antihistamines are helpful for allergy symptoms such as hay fever. Sometimes antihistamines can cause issues, leading people to wonder whether ‘natural antihistamines’ could potentially improve their symptoms.

Hay fever and antihistamines

Hay fever is a common allergy to pollen that affects one in five people in the UK. These symptoms are caused by our cells releasing a compound called histamine in response to the immune system identifying a foreign substance. Treatments for hay fever include antihistamines, which block the effects of histamine and help relieve symptoms. There are also steroid nasal sprays can help with issues such as nasal congestion.

Medications and glaucoma

To anticipate which medications could cause complications with your glaucoma, you need to know which type of glaucoma you have.

If you have primary open angle glaucoma, most medications are generally safe to use except steroids. Steroids can raise intraocular pressure if you have glaucoma, so it’s best to avoid steroid medications for hay fever if possible.

However, if you have primary angle closure glaucoma or narrow angles, many medications could cause problems, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and anti-sickness medicines. If you have had procedures like laser iridotomy, cataract operation, or clear lens replacement, you might be able to use these medications safely. However, we always recommend that you check with your eye specialist beforehand. Some callers to the helpline have asked about the use of ‘natural antihistamines’ as an alternative to medication.

Natural antihistamines

If you have hay fever and are unable to take medication due to your glaucoma, then it could be worth looking into natural antihistamines. There is some research that some foods and drinks (and compounds found within them) can provide relief from hay fever. For example, quercetin is an antioxidant compound found in apples, onions, shallots and berries, that has antihistamine properties.

It is also good to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to make sure that you get enough micronutrients like vitamins B6, B12 and C, as well as iron and copper. These vitamins and minerals support the breakdown of histamine.

Chamomile and nettle teas, as well as pomegranate and pineapple, contain compounds that possess antihistamine properties. Incorporating oily fish into your diet can be beneficial due its omega-3 content which helps to settle allergies. You might have heard that local honey helps with allergies, but there is actually no evidence supporting its effectiveness.

A final note

For those of you with glaucoma, especially angle closure glaucoma or narrow angles, antihistamines can pose issues. If you can’t take antihistamines for this reason, consider trying some of the above tips to see if you experience any relief in your symptoms. We always recommend that you speak to your eye specialist about any new medications that you are taking, to ensure they’re safe for you.