Causes Of Eye Allergies
You may have an allergic reaction if your eyes come into contact with certain chemicals or airborne allergens. Indoor causes of eye allergies are generally irritants circulating in the air or trapped in common household items and surfaces. These include:
Indirect exposures and risk factors include:
- Having certain food allergies
- Insect bite or sting allergies
Make The Itching Stop: Four Tips To Get Eye Allergy Relief
Date: 2019-03-06
Seasonal allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year. Airborne allergens like pollen, dander, and dust can cause the eyes to swell and become red, itchy, watery, and just plain uncomfortable.
If you think you have eye allergies, here are some helpful tips to get relief for your itchy eyes.
Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Not just a must in your diet for healthiest skin, vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that works wonders on lackluster complexions. When applied topically, Vitamin C brightens the skin and helps to reinforce the skins natural protection against the suns UV Rays and pollution in the air, which can cause free radical damage, explains Abigail Oleck.
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Apply Warm And Cool Compresses
Tired eyes can often be relieved with warm and cool compresses placed on your eyes. This remedy will not only improve the appearance of your eyes, but it feels great and gives you a chance to pamper yourself.
Heres what to do: Place a warm compress over your eyes to relax your eye muscles. Then place a cool compress on your eyes to increase the blood flow to your eyes. This reduces the swelling and puffiness and makes your eyes appear more alert and awake.
Applying warm and cold compresses is a home remedy for tired eyes that is a quick fix. Its only a temporary solution, though. You should address the underlying cause of your tired eyes and work toward a more permanent remedy.
What Are Puffy Eyes
The skin that surrounds your eyes is more delicate and thinner than that of the rest of your face. When fluid accumulates in the thin layers of tissue surrounding your eyes, your eyes and eyelids can swell and appear puffy.
If you notice that your eyes appear puffier in the mornings, it could be a result of fluid retention. However, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to your eyes appearing swollen and puffy.
Additionally, shadows and discoloration of the skin can make eye bags look even more conspicuous.
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White Blood Cell Test
This is not a straight-forward blood test, and doctors dont usually prescribe this test for a normal allergic reaction . Your symptoms have to be more severe for this test to make sense.
Doctors will turn to this exam if your eyes are extremely irritated or red or if theyre swollen. The procedure entails extracting and examining certain eye tissues, especially in the eyes conjunctiva.
Results will show your white-blood cell count, a clue that your immune system is working overtime to repel an allergen.
What Are The Treatments And Home Remedies For Puffy Eyes
For normal puffy eyes that are not caused by other eye conditions, there are many ways to reduce the swelling. The following is a list of ways to treat puffy eyes:
- Wash face with ice cold water
- Ice or cold packs
- Increase vitamin and mineral intake
- Drink plenty of water to clean out your system
- If puffy eyes are caused by allergies, discontinue using the item that causes the allergic reaction doctors may also provide shots or prescribe medication
- Cream for puffy eyes: Try a soothing eye cream with aloe and Vitamin E also look into certain products such as Revitalume and Swanson Creams Vitamin K cream
- Eye masks to apply mild pressure to the eyelids at night
You may have noticed that common cucumber and tea bag treatment methods are not mentioned here. This is because these items are not recommended by eye care professionals. Cucumbers are over 90 percent water, and the rest is mainly inert fiber.
Although cucumbers do reduce puffy eyes, it is the coldness of the cucumber that does the trick, not the cucumber itself. Coldness is known to constrict blood vessels, which reduces the flow of fluid into soft tissues.
Eye care professionals recommend using a washcloth dipped in cold water, which has the same effect. The reason cucumbers are not recommended is that food sometimes contains bacteria. Putting a possible bacteria source directly onto the eyes can lead to eye infections. The same is true of tea bags.
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What Can You Do For Eye Allergy Treatment And Relief
The best thing to do is to totally avoid whatever eye allergens and irritants bother your eyes. However, this is hard since these triggers are airborne.
Here are some tips to keep your eyes clear, clean and comfortable:
- Use a preservative-free eye wash or artificial tears to moisten dry, irritated eyes and help wash out allergens and irritants.
- Put a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes and then apply it to your eyelids to reduce itching and swelling.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes. Wash your hands and face after being outside on high pollen and mold days.
How To Manage Flushing
The blood vessels dilate when a person cries, hence the flushing or discoloration that appears around the eyes.
Although many of the tips for reducing puffiness also apply to treating flushing and discoloration, there are specific color-reducing eye drops available to purchase. Eye serums and creams are also available.
The tears contain oil, water, and mucus, and each element acts to protect and nourish the eye. Excess tears flow into small drainage ducts in the eyelids, but when these elements become unbalanced, dry eyes can occur.
Dry eye treatments include over-the-counter artificial tear solutions, which can also be preservative-free.
While at home, remember to blink regularly, especially when working on a computer for an extended period of time. Wearing sunglasses in bright sunlight can offer further protection.
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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.
How Eye Allergies Are Diagnosed
When your eyes start to itch, swell, water consistently or turn red, you can visit an ophthalmologist for an official diagnosis and treatment plan. You may also want to visit an allergist to learn if you have food and environmental allergies.
Your eye doctor will run specific tests to rule out some potential causes of your misery. Theyll also need to know if you have any predisposing factors, including pre-existing allergies or parents with or a family history of allergies.
Only after providing an accurate diagnosis for allergic conjunctivitis can your doctor prescribe proper treatment to ease your symptoms.
Common eye tests for eye allergies include a slit lamp and a white blood cell test.
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You Overdid It At Happy Hour
Alcohol can cause fluid shifts in your body, and their “effects can be compounded by the tendency some have to snack on salty foods when drinking alcohol for a double whammy,” Dr. Sherber notes. The fluid shifts and water retention caused by alcohol and salty foods make the eyes appear puffy. Alcohol also often causes your body to become dehydrated and make your eyes dry too.
The Difference Between Puffy And Swollen Eyelids
Many people may develop puffy eyes and think, at first, that their eyelids are swollen. There are some differences between puffy and swollen that are important to keep in mind, however.
Puffy eyes may be inherited, caused by a lack of sleep, or due to crying. Stress, fatigue, and allergies may all contribute to puffy eyes, which can obstruct your vision and become uncomfortable. Puffy eyes typically do not have other symptoms associated with them, however, and they can be safely treated at home.
You may go for a spa treatment and place cucumber slices over your eyes you may use a small amount of Preparation H to reduce swelling or you could take an antihistamine, which will reduce inflammation all over your body. These at-home treatments for puffiness are safe and effective in the short term.
There are many common causes of puffy eyes.
- Eating too much salt, leading to fluid retention
- Allergies that lead to inflammation
- Irritation around the eyes from cosmetics
- Sinus problems or infection
Puffiness typically goes away on its own and does not have other symptoms associated with it. Swelling in the eyelids, however, can indicate a different underlying condition or a more serious problem with your health.
Understanding the different potential causes of swollen eyes, and the symptoms associated with them, can help you determine when to see a doctor for medical treatment.
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Use A Facial Massage Tool
Items like facial rollers and gua sha tools can help you massage your skin. Theyre often used with a facial oil or serum to glide over your face.
Some say they can help with circulation or help your skin care product absorb. And tools that feel cool to the touch might help with puffiness.
If you happen to have a roll-on eye serum in your skin care stash, now might be a good time to give it a try. The cool metal ball can feel soothing when its swept over your undereye area.
Always use a light touch when applying a massage tool to your eye area, and stop if you notice pain or irritation.
Use Depuffing Eye Gels With Caffeine
While we couldn’t do without our morning java jolt, caffeine has also become a star player in skincare products. “Eye gels with active ingredients like caffeine, licorice, and other antioxidants are helpful,” says Hartman. “Especially if they are cooled before application.” Try chilling your favorite caffeine-infused under-eye gels overnight, then apply them in the morning while you have your coffee.
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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.
Get Help From Medical Professionals For Serious Issues With Swollen Eyelids
The health of your eyes reflects your overall physical health. When a saline solution, cool compress, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any of the other suggestions above do not reduce puffy or swollen eyelids, or the condition is accompanied by a rash, fever, serious itching, redness, or discharge, you should see a doctor.
Infections and inflammation can lead to damage to your eyes and even cause blindness when untreated. Often, swelling that does not go away indicates an underlying medical condition that requires more intensive treatment.
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Apply Cucumber Slices Or Tea Bags
Cucumber slices can also help soothe puffy eyes and reduce swelling. Take a cucumber from your fridge, give it a wash, and cut off two 1/4-inch slices. You can save the rest of the cucumber for snacking. Lie back and keep the slices on your eyelids until theyre no longer cool.
Tea bags combine a cool compress with de-puffing caffeine. Most varieties of black, green, and white tea contain caffeine. Theres some evidence that it can penetrate the skin, reduce swelling, and increase circulation.
To try this method, wet two tea bags, refrigerate them for 20 minutes, and then place them on your eyes for 15 to 30 minutes.
When Should You Contact A Doctor For A Swollen Eyelid
If you have severely swollen eyelids or your symptoms do not go away with at-home care, speak with your primary care physician or an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in eye care. They can make an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
If your eyelid swelling is a symptom of an underlying condition, your eye doctor may refer you to other specialists who can treat the root cause.
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You’re Not Moving Enough
“If youre too sedentary, you can have fluid retention,” Dr. Gabriel says. If you’re sick or injured and lying down often, fluid can collect in your face. In this case, it’s a good idea to sleep as upright as possible so that fluid can drain.
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Also, Dr. Gabriel suggests moving around and exercising regularly to promote circulation and move fluid out of the face.
Take Breaks From Your Screens
Between TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones, screen exposure is at an all-time high, and that takes a toll on your eyes. To avoid tired eyes, take both mini and longer breaks from your computers and digital devices to allow your eyes to rest.
For mini breaks, we recommend the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives the tiny muscles in your eye the chance to relax for a moment.
For longer breaks, we recommend you get up and stretch your legs, neck and back. While you do this, try closing your eyes to give them a bit of rest.
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Why Do Allergies Cause Puffy Eyes
Allergies are triggered by exposure to certain environmental agents that are harmless to most peoples systems. However, for those with allergies, the immune system reacts defensively by releasing histamines into the bloodstream to fight these allergens. These histamines cause the blood vessels in the eye to become puffy and swollen.
An Allergic Reaction That Causes The Eyes To Swell
Fact Checked
For many allergy sufferers, the first sign of an allergic reaction is an uncomfortable tight sensation around the eyes. This sensation results from swelling of both the upper and lower eyelids. The eyelids may also become reddened and begin to itch. A wide variety of allergies can produce this reaction.
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