Allergies Nose & Eye Allergies Nasal Steroid Sprays Treat Eye Allergies By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. Learn about our editorial process Daniel More, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Corinne Savides Happel, MD on October 24, 2020 linkedin Corinne Savides Happel, MD, is board-certified in allergies/immunology, with a focus on allergic skin disorders. She is a part-time assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Review Board Corinne Savides Happel, MD Updated on December 16, 2020 Print Getting a nasal steroid spray like Flonase (fluticasone) directly into your eyes can cause side effects and complications, like glaucoma or cataracts. Using nasal steroid sprays correctly (by spraying them into your nose) can help treat allergic eye symptoms. According to a large study, Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) can treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis as well as allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies). Nasonex (mometasone furoate) has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on eye allergy symptoms. I believe that all topical nasal steroid sprays can help the symptoms of eye allergies—but not all of them have proven this fact with medical research. Tnia Cabral / EyeEm / Getty Images Why Do These Sprays Treat Eye Allergies? There are several possible mechanisms that may explain why nasal sprays can reduce allergic eye symptoms. They may affect the nasoocular reflex, which is a type of nerve communication between the nasal passages and the eyes.Steroid nasal sprays may also help the tear ducts drain better, which helps the eyes cleanse themselves of allergens.Nasal steroids could have a limited “whole-body effect,” which could also explain why these medications can also help control asthma symptoms. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Baroody FM, Foster KA, Markaryan A, deTineo M, Naclerio RM. Nasal ocular reflexes and eye symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008; 100:194-9. Bielory L. Ocular Symptom Reduction in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Treated with the Intranasal Corticosteroid Mometasone Furoate. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008; 100:272-79. Kaiser HB, Naclerio RM, Given J, Toler TN, Ellsworth A, Philpot EE. Fluticasone furoate nasal spray: a single treatment option for the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;119:1430–1437. Weber RW. Ocular Impact of Intranasal Corticosteroid Therapy: All That Surprising? Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008; 100:193.