Thanks for your question and for sharing your experience.
Regarding itchy, watery eyes: while allergic conjunctivitis doesn’t directly raise IOP, the behaviors associated with eye discomfort, like rubbing, have been shown to cause short-term pressure spikes. For example, a 2022 study using implantable IOP sensors in glaucoma patients found that eyelid rubbing caused average spikes of nearly 59 mmHg above baseline (Lewis et al., 2022). In animal models, similar spikes have exceeded 300 mmHg (Pakravan et al., 2018). While temporary, repeated elevations like these may be relevant for long-term IOP stability.
The experience of many members in the FitEyes community has pointed to a broader picture: allergies, colds, and nasal congestion often coincide with increases in IOP, not just from rubbing, but potentially due to factors like sinus pressure, systemic inflammation, or even medication side effects. This kind of pattern-sharing among peers has helped surface questions that aren’t always well-covered in routine clinical guidance, and it’s a valuable context to keep in mind when reflecting on personal IOP changes.
Beyond anecdotal reports, there’s some early evidence supporting these observations. For instance, a 2023 study in Rhinology Online found that individuals using long-term intranasal glucocorticoids for allergic rhinitis had a small but measurable increase in IOP, about 1.3 mmHg on average, even when the values remained within the normal range (Lee et al., 2023). Another study noted how sinus congestion may contribute to localized pressure and inflammation near the eye, sometimes affecting vision and IOP indirectly (Optometry Times).
Regarding pyruvate: recent trials, like the 2021 phase 2 study combining nicotinamide and pyruvate, point toward neuroprotective benefits and short-term functional improvements in glaucoma, but no direct impact on IOP has been noted to date (De Moraes et al., 2021).
Since you’re already attuned to these variables, it might be helpful to continue noting trends or triggers over time. In the meantime, to relieve allergy-related discomfort without affecting IOP, preservative-free antihistamine drops, cold compresses, and minimizing eye rubbing are generally well-tolerated approaches.
Your curiosity and proactive tracking are key assets in shaping a treatment path that fits your needs, and may even help others asking similar questions down the line.
