How To Help Swollen Eyes From Allergies

Why Are My Eyes Puffy

Puffy or swollen eyes can be caused by fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormone changes, and other factors. Crying is often accompanied by swollen eyes because the tiny glands in the eyelids that produce tears become inflamed from overactivity.

Other times we get puffy eyes after sleeping. This can be caused by too much sodium in the diet, which causes water retention. Puffy eyes can also be caused by lack of sleep or excessive alcohol intake. Additional causes of puffy eyes include:

• Normal aging process

How Bad Can Swollen Eyes Get

Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis, but unlike other forms of conjunctivitis , eye allergies are not contagious, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology . And eye allergies usually affect both eyes.

In addition to burning or teary, watery eyes, allergies may make you sensitive to light, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . A runny nose, cough, or headache often go hand in hand with eye allergies. The AAFA also adds that your vision may be briefly blurry and you may feel distracted or sluggish and unproductive.

RELATED: Allergy Symptoms and Diagnosis

Allergy Medications For Eyes

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can give short-term relief of some eye allergy symptoms. Prescription treatments can provide both short- and long-term help.

Sterile saline rinses and eye lubricants can soothe irritated eyes and help flush out allergens.

eye drops can curb eye redness by constricting blood vessels in the eyes. These drops tend to sting a bit, and they donât relieve all symptoms. Whatâs more, their effect tends to be short-lived. If you use them for more than a few days, it can cause ”rebound” eye redness.

eye drops containing ketotifen can ease allergy symptoms for up to 12 hours. They wonât cause rebound redness even with long-term use.

Refrigerating your eye drops may bring more relief.

In addition to red, itchy eyes from allergies, many people also have other symptoms, like a stuffy, runny nose. If you do, nasal steroid sprays can help your eyes and nose. Over-the-counter options include Flonase, Rhinocort, and Nasacort. Several others are also available with a doctor’s prescription.

Oral antihistamines can also help. Cetirizine and loratadine tend to be less sedating than some older drugs, and they provide longer-lasting relief. Keep in mind, though, that oral antihistamines do dry the eyes and can make a dry eye condition worse.

If you need more help, a doctor can prescribe other eye drops. For severe or persistent cases, immunotherapy can also help.

Show Sources

You May Like: Is Taking Allergy Pills Everyday Bad For You

Have Mandarin Orange Yogurt To Control The Allergy

Combine the power of mandarin orange and yogurt to rid yourself of an eye allergy. A study looked at the effect of this delicious treat on people who suffered seasonal allergic conjunctivitis due to cedar pollen. It was found that itching, redness, and swelling of eyelid was significantly lower in those who had mandarin orange yogurt than in the control group which had plain yogurt. Researchers concluded that the combined effect of protein -lactoglobulin from yogurt and flavonoid nobiletin in mandarin oranges helped suppress the allergic reaction.9

When To See A Doctor

Eyelid swelling usually goes away on its own within a day or so. If it doesn’t get better in 24 to 48 hours, you should call your primary care physician or see your eye doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your eye and eyelid. Your doctor will ask questions about other symptoms or changes that may be causing your eyelid or eyelids to swell. These could include contact with allergens or irritants, infections, or other health conditions.

Recommended Reading: Can Food Allergies Cause High White Blood Cell Count

Treatment Depends On Severity And Cause Of Symptoms

Identifying and removing the cause of allergic conjunctivitis, where possible, is ideal when an allergic cause has been confirmed from allergy testing. For example:

• House dust mite minimisation measures in the bedroom .
• Removing the cat from the house in sensitive individuals.

It is also important to exclude the presence of a foreign body such as dust, wood chip or an insect/s.

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are generally mild to moderate and respond to bathing eyes with cold water, ice packs and cold water compresses. Topical lubricants can also help flush allergens from the tear film. However, symptoms can sometimes be extremely severe and debilitating and require medication. Treatment options include:

How Is Allergic Conjunctivitis Treated

Oftentimes with allergy symptoms, the best course of action is to simply avoid whatever triggers an allergic reaction. For instance, if you’re allergic to cats and you know your friend has a cat, suggest a meeting place outside their home so you don’t risk having an allergic reaction to their pet. The same goes for allergic conjunctivitis, Kanwaljit Brar, MD, an allergist at NYU Langone, told Health. “The best approach is to be preventative,” Dr. Brar explained.

Experts advised making an appointment with an allergist if you find that you frequently suffer from allergic conjunctivitis with your eyelids swelling and your eyes watering at seemingly random times, as well as if you have no clue what your allergen is. “If you see an allergist, you can identify what you’re allergic to we can predict when patients’ symptoms will ,” Dr. Brar explained.

From there, an allergist can help you make simple lifestyle changes that eliminate allergic conjunctivitis and other allergy-related issues, Dr. Hajee said. So if your allergist tests you and determines that pollen is likely what’s triggering your symptoms, they can advise you to stay inside during certain times of the day when the pollen count in your region is highest, Dr. Brar said. Through tweaking your routine by going on your outdoor run at a different time when the pollen count is typically lower, for example, your symptoms might lessen without the use of medication.

You May Like: Can Chest Congestion Be From Allergies

Which Allergies Cause Puffy Eyes

Allergies that cause puffy eyes are a result of three different forms: airborne, contact and ingested. For each type, the allergen enters the body and causes the immune system to overreact, releasing histamines which in turn cause the inflammation.

Airborne allergies often affect both the eyes and nose. Among the airborne allergies that cause puffy eyes are seasonal allergies, caused by increased pollen in the air from various sources, including various grasses and ragweed. Other airborne allergens include mold spores, pet dander and dust mites.

Contact allergies are caused by direct physical contact with the allergen, and are contained within the range of that contact. Common contact allergens to cause puffy eyes are makeup, contact lenses and certain eye drops.

Allergies that cause puffy eyes via ingestion are often food allergies, which may also cause swelling of facial tissues. Those who suffer from lactose intolerance may experience puffy eyes as a side effect of overall bloating caused by this condition. Shellfish allergies also cause inflammation that can affect the eye area.

What Causes The Dark Blue

This is called the allergic shiner when theres swelling of tissue and fluid buildup in and around the eyes, blood starts to pool, darkening the skin and creating dark circles. The allergic shiner is also a common sign of environmental allergies to pollen, dust mites or pet dander, and it can also indicate food allergy.

Recommended Reading: What Doctor Checks For Allergies

What Are Eye Allergies

When a foreign particle or substance such as dust enters your eye, your body naturally releases histamine to protect you. An eye allergy can occur as your immune systems reaction to the presence of the irritant or allergen.

This reaction is also called allergic conjunctivitis, and it can cause eyelid discomfort and swelling. It can also affect the conjunctiva, the tissue layer that covers the front part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids.

You may also experience itching and a persistent urge to rub your eyes. In more serious cases, your eye turns so red and swells so much as it seeks to fight off the allergen that it seems as if it is infected. Such allergies are common, but not everybody has a significant reaction when dust or pollen gets into their eyes. They have a higher level of tolerance, just as some people are more vulnerable.

You may be at risk, too, if you experience nose allergies on exposure to foreign particles inside and outside your home or office environment. The severity of your allergic reaction can vary based on many factors.

While some people experience only lid inflammation, others suffer corneal irritation and scarring. You can minimize your risk of developing eye allergy complications with early management and treatment.

Invest In A Great Eye Cream And Use It Consistently

When shopping for under-eye remedies, “Look for a good moisturizing eye cream with ingredients such as green tea, caffeine, niacinamide, peptides and other antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness,” advises Finney.

“My absolute favorite is the Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment, which has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains a peptide that stimulates collagen to help improve wrinkles and other signs of aging,” he says. “The best part is that it is non-irritating. Many eye creams that promise wrinkle reduction contain retinol, and although retinol is great for anti-aging, it can often be irritating in the eye area, given that the skin around the eye is the thinnest and most sensitive anywhere on the body.”

Key Ingredients

Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a derivative of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant used in anti-aging skincare products.

For an all-natural eye cream to soothe and de-puff eyes, turn to cold aloe vera gel, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties. Keep a bottle in your fridge and then apply it just like you would eye cream.

You May Like: Can You Take Benadryl With Zyrtec For Allergies

Remedies And Treatments For A Swollen Eyelid

The treatment for a swollen eyelid depends on the cause. If you have an eye infection, you may need to use antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or other topical medication â meaning a medication to be applied on the body â to help remove the infection and ease your symptoms. Your doctor may give you antibiotics or steroids to take orally if the topical treatment is ineffective.

To relieve eyelid swelling and keep your eyes clear and healthy, try these home remedies for swollen eyelids:

Apply a Compress

Run a clean cloth under warm water and hold it gently on your eyes. Do this twice a day for 15 minutes at a time to help loosen crusty discharge and get rid of any oil that might be plugging your glands.

Gently Wash the Area

After using a compress, use a cotton swab or washcloth to gently clean your eyelids with diluted baby shampoo. Make sure to rinse your eye area well afterward. You can also use a saline solution to rinse the area if you have any discharge or crust around your eye or in your eyelashes.

Leave Your Eyes Alone

While you have symptoms, don’t wear eye makeup or contact lenses. Get plenty of sleep and avoid direct sunlight so your eyes can rest.

Use Eye Drops

Use over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Antihistamine drops can help with allergies and may help if your eyelid is swollen due to allergens.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

While your symptoms might clear up once you remove whatever’s causing them, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help if certain concerning symptoms arise, experts warned.

If your eyeball, rather than your eyelid, is swollen, you should head to a doctor’s office immediately, Dr. Hajee said. Additionally, if your eyeball is in any pain, or if any area around the eye is in severe pain, that should prompt a visit to the doctor’s office too.

MedlinePlus adds that other symptomslike if your vision is affected or you have a severe headachealso warrant emergency medical treatment.

Read Also: Can Peanut Allergy Kill You

Apply A Cold Compress

Using an ice pack or a cold washcloth on the affected eye can help reduce eyelid swelling. The cold causes blood vessels to narrow, which limits the amount of blood and fluid reaching the area.

While applying cold items on a swollen eyelid can improve its condition, not everything in your freezer should be used.

Remember this item is going to be placed over your eye, so it should not be so cold or heavy that it causes additional discomfort.

If you have an ice pack filled with gel, its important to ensure there are no leaks in the pack, as the gel can contain chemicals that are dangerous to your eyes. Similarly, using frozen or raw meat to place on a swollen or black eye is a bad idea. The meat has the potential to cause a bacterial eye infection, which will only make matters worse.

The best option for a cold compress is a leak-proof sandwich bag filled with ice, but a bag of frozen peas or corn will also work. Whatever you use, it should be wrapped in a clean towel before placing it on your eyelid to avoid localized frostbite to the sensitive skin on your eyelid and around your eye.

SEE RELATED:Home remedies for swollen eyes

Other Causes Of Eyelid Swelling

Eyelid swelling can be due to a variety of infections and other conditions, including:

• cavernous sinus thrombosis, which refers to a blood clot in the cavity at the base of the brain
• organ failure, such as heart, liver, or kidney failure
• shingles, or herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• sinus infection or sinusitis

Because a swollen eyelid can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition, speak with your doctor if your eyelid swelling persists or if you experience additional symptoms.

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Make Fibromyalgia Worse

Inflammation Of The Cornea Can Also Be Associated With Allergy

The cornea has very few blood vessels , and is seldom involved in an allergic reaction. However, there are a number of causes of small pinpoint defects in the cornea, a condition called epithelial keratitis, which is usually due to drug and chemical exposure, for example:

• Drug toxicity and drug allergy.
• Vernal conjunctivitis.
• Contact sensitivity to topical eye medications such as neomycin, idoxuridine, atropine and derivatives, thiomersal and some topical anaesthetics.

Specific conditions involving the cornea, which are associated with allergy are listed below.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis

• A combined inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, most often associated with atopic dermatitis/eczema.
• Usually results in red, scaly and weeping skin of the eyelids.
• Secondary infection with Staphylococcus aureus is common and may cause infection of the eyelash follicles.
• The conjunctiva may be swollen, red and with a tenacious clear or pus containing discharge.
• The condition can persist for many years and causes severe photophobia, weeping and itching.
• If the photophobia is severe, it can be difficult for people to open their eyes in direct sunlight.
• Conjunctival scarring may occur if the persistent condition is not treated properly.

Keratoconus

Atopic cataracts

• May be associated with the severe form of atopic dermatitis in about 8-10% of sufferers.
• Occurs in children and young adults, even in the absence of steroid therapy.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes

If your eyes feel dry and irritated in the winter months when there are fewer outdoor allergens, then you may have a form of tear dysfunction known as dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is not an allergic reaction it happens when your eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make go away very quickly.

Many people have dry eye, including about one-third of older adults. Its commonly found in people with eye allergies as well. Symptoms are sometimes worse when its cold or windy outside, after you turn on the heat in your home, or if youre in a dry environment. Some medications, including oral antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-depressants, can cause symptoms.

Also Check: Can Allergies Cause Hot Flashes

Why Is My Eyelid Swollen

Swollen eyelids are a fairly common eye condition caused by inflammation or excess fluid in the connective tissues surrounding the eye. Depending on the cause, swollen eyelids can sometimes be somewhat painful, affecting the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Swollen eyes can also be caused by many other factors, including allergies, styes, a blocked gland, traumatic eye injury, and conjunctivitis .

What Are Eye Allergy Symptoms

When you have eye allergies, the mast cells lining the conjunctiva release histamine when exposed to allergens and irritants. Those allergens and irritants cause the conjunctiva to swell and symptoms of eye allergies to occur.

Common symptoms include:

• red, irritated, teary and itchy eyes

Hot, dry weather dries out the eyes and makes eye allergy symptoms worse.

Also Check: Does A Cool Mist Humidifier Help Allergies

Try A Gentle Double Tap Or Facial Massage Technique

Did you know that the way you apply eye moisturizer affects the state of your under-eye area? Tobia says, “Rubbing cream or moisturizer on your eyes can cause it to be puffy. Instead, try lightly tapping the area of your eyes and massaging the pressure points to encourage lymphatic drainage.”

Hartman agrees, advising that a simple, gentle tapping motion with your ring finger can go a long way for draining the lymph buildup that causes puffiness.

Tobia instructs: “Starting with your neck to get the drainage started, drag the backs of your knuckles down along the sides of your neck. Then, work your way up your face, sweeping your fingertips outward from the center of your face to your ears. When you reach your eye area, youll want to make sure that you have your fingertips gliding across the bone just under your eye with a feathery touch.” We recommend using a facial oil during this process to avoid tugging on your skin.