Allergic conjunctivitis · Merced
Itchy eyes treatment in Merced
Constant rubbing, watery eyes, swollen lids — itchy eyes from allergy can interfere with work, screen time, and sleep. A targeted evaluation with an allergist often produces relief in days, not weeks.
About this service
Allergic eye disease is more than a nuisance
Allergic conjunctivitis affects up to 40% of Central Valley adults during peak pollen seasons. Severe cases include keratoconjunctivitis and vernal conjunctivitis — conditions that can affect vision if left untreated. The right treatment depends on identifying your specific allergens.
Fresno office
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Merced office
Mon–Sat · 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lead specialist
Dedicated allergist & immunologist delivering care
Muhammad Hassan Bashir, MD, is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and a distinguished allergist and immunologist at Sierra Allergy Asthma and Sinus Center. Dr. Bashir completed his specialized training in allergy and immunology at Stanford University Medical Center. With over 15 years of compassionate excellence, he has helped countless individuals overcome their allergy and immunology challenges through personalized, evidence-based care.
- 15+ years of compassionate excellence
- Stanford-trained allergist
- Professional & knowledgeable expert
Trusted by Central Valley patients
Award-winning care
Recognized in Merced for outstanding patient outcomes and reviews.
Fresno & Merced offices
Convenient locations for Central Valley patients.
Agency-accredited
Board-certified physicians, evidence-based treatments.
Patient-focused
Same-week appointments and personalized treatment plans.
Insurance providers we accept
Note: These are not the only insurance providers we accept. We also work with other insurance companies not listed above. Please contact us to verify your coverage.
Diagnostic clarity
What's making your eyes itch?
Sometimes it’s pollen, sometimes it’s pet dander, sometimes it’s a daily product you didn’t suspect — eye makeup, contact lens solution, or a topical medication. Skin testing plus a careful history almost always identifies the culprit.
Patch testing is available when we suspect contact allergy to a cosmetic or preservative.
Daily relief plan
Drops, antihistamines, and avoidance
Modern prescription eye drops (olopatadine, ketotifen, alcaftadine, bepotastine) work far better than over-the-counter options for most patients. We pair the right drop with environmental controls and, when appropriate, immunotherapy for long-term relief.
For severe vernal or atopic keratoconjunctivitis we may use short-course topical corticosteroids or cyclosporine drops, coordinated with an ophthalmologist.
Book an online or in-person appointment!
Pollen season survival
Beating Merced and Fresno pollen season
Almond bloom, olive pollen, grass pollen, and harvest dust all contribute to itchy eyes in our area. We will tell you exactly when to pre-medicate (typically two weeks before your worst month), what to wear outdoors, and how to set up your home for the season.
Why choose Sierra Allergy Asthma and Sinus Center
We are dedicated to helping you heal, feel better, and live fully. Here's why you should choose us:
- Personalized Care
- Expert Team
- Convenient Locations
- Trusted Reputation
- Modern Facility
- Advanced Technology
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between dry eye and allergic eye?
Dry eye burns and feels gritty; allergic eye itches intensely and often has watery discharge. Many patients have both. Proper diagnosis matters because the treatments are very different.
Will allergy shots help my eyes?
Yes. Allergy immunotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for allergic conjunctivitis caused by environmental allergens. The effect builds over months but lasts for years.
Why don't OTC drops work for me?
Over-the-counter ‘redness reducers’ constrict blood vessels but don’t treat allergy. They can actually make things worse with continued use. Prescription mast-cell stabilizers and antihistamine drops are far more effective.
Can contact lenses cause itchy eyes?
Yes — both directly (giant papillary conjunctivitis) and by trapping allergens against the eye. We work with your eye doctor on this.
Should I see you or an ophthalmologist?
If the cause is allergic, start with us. If there are vision changes, eye pain, or light sensitivity, see an ophthalmologist first. We work closely with several local ophthalmology practices.
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