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.
Home Treatments For The Swollen Eyes Of Allergies
New allergies can develop and existing ones can be made worse by the hormonal imbalance your body undergoes during menopause. One of the most noticeable ways your body reacts is through your eyes, which can appear swollen. However, there are things you can do in order to reduce the swollen eyes of allergies. Continue reading to discover four natural ways in which you can use medicinal plants and kitchen staples to do this.
Questions For Diagnosing The Cause Of Eyelid Swelling
To diagnose the underlying cause of eyelid swelling, your primary care or may ask you several questions related to your symptoms:
- Describe the swelling. When did the swelling start? Does it come and go or is it constant?
- Did you eat any foods or come in contact with any unusual substances preceding the swelling?
- Are you experiencing any pain,shortness of breath, or other symptoms?
- Are any other areas swollen?
- How does the eyeball itself look?
- Provide your full medical history, including all medical conditions, surgeries and treatments, family history, and a complete list of the medications and dietary supplements that you take.
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Flush Irritants Away With Saline Drops Or Artificial Tears
Normal saline drops or artificial tears can be used to flush away irritants that can cause inflammation. While there are many DIYs to make saline drops at home, its critical that you do this in a sterile environment and ensure all utensils and ingredients are uncontaminated. You could also use simple store-bought ones instead. Also, clean your eyelids and the area around your eyes with a wet washcloth to remove any allergens if youve been outside.3
What Are Eye Allergy Symptoms And Signs
Typical symptoms associated with eye allergies include inflammation of the conjunctiva that is caused by a reaction to allergens. The inflammation causes enlargement of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva , resulting in a red or bloodshot appearance of the eyes. These allergy symptoms can range from very mild redness to severe swelling associated with discharge.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor might recommend allergy shots, which work by slowly building up your bodys tolerance to your allergens, according to the AAFA. However, theres a good chance that wont be necessary. Eye allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed, per the AAFA.
MedlinePlus adds that other symptomslike if your vision is affected or you have a severe headachealso warrant emergency medical treatment.
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What Is The Prognosis Of Eye Allergies
The prognosis is favorable for most patients with eye allergies. Typically symptoms clear up quickly with OTC/home treatment or when the offending allergen is not present any more. Unfortunately the symptoms may reoccur depending on the cause of the eye allergy. Health complications are very rare, but medical attentions should be sought immediately for any pain or vision loss that occurs or for symptoms that do not resolve within 12 hours.
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Treatment For Eye Swelling
The best way to treat eye swelling will depend on the cause. Your best bet is to consult a doctor to determine the cause and follow their prescribed treatment.
If you are experiencing mild swelling, you can try some of these home remedies:
- Apply a cool compress. The cold temperature can help to lessen puffiness and also bring relief from pain and discomfort.
- Try cold, caffeinated teabags. The caffeine in the tea bag will constrict blood vessels in the area, helping to reduce swelling. Make sure the teabags are fully cooled before applying them to your eye area.
- Elevate your head. When you lay down, blood can pool in your head, increasing inflammation. Sleep with your head propped up on pillows to reduce eye swelling.
- Gently cleanse. Keep the area around your eyes clean. Use gentle touch to ensure you dont irritate your eyes further.
- Use saline solution. Flush your eyes with saline solution to cleanse the area.
- Try anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help to temporarily decrease inflammation, including swelling around the eyes.
Make Your Eye Health A Priority
If you are experiencing the following, you should call your doctor immediately:
- Feeling like theres something stuck in your eye
- Pain in the eye
- Blurry vision
Always consult your eye doctor before trying a new remedy. Eye allergy relief is possible, and a proper diagnosis and approval from your doctor is the first step.
Envolve Optical is dedicated to providing customized care for the whole family. to set up an appointment.
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Facial Nose Or Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, sometimes done to correct entropion or ectropion , or for cosmetic reasons, is an example of intentional injury to the eyelids which causes bruising and swelling. The eyelids can be so swollen after eyelid procedures that you can’t see for several days. See the separate leaflet called Eyelid Surgery.
Eyelid swelling and bruising also tend to result from other surgery to the nose and lower face. This is because the blood – and the swelling – from these procedures tends to track behind the skin of the face to areas where it can pool easily, and this includes the eyelids. The bruising and swelling can be dramatic and can take several weeks to settle down completely.
Symptoms Of Eye Allergies
Young children may not be able to tell you about their symptoms, but their behavior may suggest that they are experiencing an allergic reaction. For example, they will rub their eyes or cry.
Even if your child cannot tell you what is wrong, many of the symptoms of eye allergies are easy to spot.
Common symptoms of eye allergies in kids include:
- Redness around the eye and in the eyeball
- Itchiness or burning that may cause the child to rub their eyes
- Watery eyes
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Fluid Retention Due To Other Medical Conditions
Fluid can gather throughout the body if you are retaining fluid – a condition called oedema. Whilst fluid retention is often noticeable in the fingers, around the lips and lower face, around the feet and ankles, and in the lower part of the back, you may notice it first in your eyelids because of the effect this has on your facial appearance.
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.
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What Is The Treatment For Dry Eye
Artificial tears lubricant eye drops are the main treatment for dry eye. They can keep the eye moist and reduce symptoms. You can buy artificial tears at a drug store or grocery store without a prescription. They come in liquid, gel or ointments. Preservative-free artificial tears are best for long-term use, but they are more expensive.
Other things you can do to help improve dry eye include:
- Try to blink a lot, especially when you are reading or using a computer. This helps keep your eyes moist.
- Avoid excess air conditioning or heating as much as you can. Also avoid sitting directly in the flow of cold or hot air.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom and any other space where you spend a lot of time.
- Use goggles or moisture chambers if your doctor or nurse suggests them. Moisture chambers are special devices that fit on your glasses. They can help keep your eyes moist. You can buy moisture chambers at most stores that sell glasses.
Additional treatments include prescription eye drops and anti-inflammatory medicines. If these are not successful, tear duct plugs or surgery that requires the assistance of an ophthalmologist may be recommended.
Many people with difficult-to-control dry eye struggle with wearing contact lenses and may need to stop using them for as long as symptoms persist.
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
- Aging
- Crying
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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Why Do Eye Allergies Happen
The exact cause of an allergy is still unclear, but the immune system pathways that cause inflammation may lead to an allergic reaction. The body launches an adverse immune reaction when it encounters allergic proteins. The reaction leads to allergic symptoms.
The immune system receives input from the environment. It produces an adaptive response in which it detects foreign invaders like microbes and allergens. The body attacks when it encounters a certain foreign object. The immune system launches an inflammatory response to allergens that have little to no effect on most individuals.
How Long Does It Take To Reduce Eyelid Swelling
For temporary causes, such as allergies, it may take as little as a few hours to reduce eyelid swelling with home remedies and an antihistamine.
For swelling due to blocked glands, such as a chalazion, you can expect recovery to occur in a few weeks to a month.
If your eyelid swelling is due to optical cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection in the eye socket, you will usually experience an improvement within 24â48 hours after the start of IV antibiotics. This is especially true if you received a diagnosis early and treatment began quickly.
For other serious causes of eyelid swelling, such as organ failure or thyroid-related eye disorders, swelling may not resolve until the treatment of the root cause is successful.
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Chemical Irritation And Burns
Some chemicals can irritate the eyelids, causing them to swell. This can occur with some make-up products and soaps. Many people will be familiar with the eyelid irritation and swelling caused by chlorine in swimming pools. Tear gas, sometimes used to dispel crowds, causes swelling and inflammation of the eyelids, although sore and tearful eyes are the main symptoms of exposure.
Some chemicals can cause serious injury to the eyelids, beginning with swelling and pain. The causes include some everyday household chemicals such as oven cleaners, which contain strong alkali and which you might transfer to your eyelids by rubbing your eyes or because you get ‘blow-back’ from a spray device.
If you suspect a chemical injury to your eyelids or eyes you should wash them as thoroughly as you can. Run 20 litres of water over them directly from the tap, keeping running water on your open eye or eyes for 5-10 minutes, before seeking medical advice. See the separate leaflet called Dealing with Eye Injuries.
Take A Break From Cosmetics
Cosmetics and facial cleansers that come close to the eyes could be causing irritation and swelling. If you suspect this is the problem, stop your current makeup or cleansing routine until swelling clears up.
If taking a break from a particular product helps, replace it with hypoallergenic or sensitive formulas. Aside from makeup and cleansers, hair products like hair sprays and gels could also cause irritation.
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Causes Of Eye Swelling On Both Sides
- Allergic Conjunctivitis. Itchy pink eyes from pollen or pet dander.
- Viral Conjunctivitis. The main symptom is red eyes with a cold.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis. The main symptom is yellow pus in the eye or eyes. Eyelids may be matted shut.
- Edema . Edema is retained fluid within body tissues. Edema fluid first appears as swelling of the feet due to gravity. Edema fluid also occurs around both eyes after lying down. It’s caused by kidney, heart or liver failure.
- Anaphylaxis . A severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Triggered by foods, drugs and bee stings. Serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing occur. Hives are almost always present.
When To See A Doctor For Swollen Eyes
If swollen eyes suddenly appear without an explanation or if they persist despite treatment at home, consider seeing an eye doctor to address the condition. Swollen eyes could lead to worse conditions or an infection if not treated properly.
In some cases, swollen eyes can indicate a bigger issue and require different treatment.
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Drink Lemon Juice To Tackle Allergic Reactions
Lemon contains the flavonoid hesperetin and vitamin C. Both these compounds have antihistamine properties and can help prevent an allergic reaction. One case study found that a woman who was sensitive to a variety of substances from detergents, dust, and pollen to perfumes experienced relief from symptoms when she had lemon juice. Interestingly, the lemon juice worked in half an hour and cleared symptoms of not only eye allergy but also nasal allergy.78
What Can I Do To Address Eye Swelling
Eye puffiness or swelling is a common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, along with itchy, red eyes, a burning sensation and a clear, watery discharge.
During an allergic reaction, white blood cells attach to protective mast cells in the mucus membranes of the eyes and nasal passages, and fluid builds up. Tiny blood vessels in and around the eyes leak, leading to inflammation and swelling in surrounding tissues and the watery discharge. Rubbing or scratching the eyes only makes it worse and could lead to infection.
Eye swelling often occurs at night. One reason this happens is exposure to allergens in the bedroom primarily dust mites and/or pet dander.
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How To Manage Swollen Eyes From Allergies
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that prevention is better than cure. The best way to avoid getting eye allergies is to avoid exposure to allergens. Also, if you have swollen eyes from allergies, it is best to visit your eye doctor immediately. The eye doctor may prescribe medicines and eye drops to reduce the itchiness and inflammation.
Learn more about swollen eyes from allergies in this video by eMedTV:
Do you experience swollen eyes from allergies? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
How To Treat Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies
It is important to note that not all cases of puffy eyes are caused by allergies when seeking treatment, be sure you are treating the appropriate underlying cause. Lack of sleep, aging and diets heavy in salt can all cause swelling in the eye area.
However, when puffiness is caused by allergies, some degree of itching is usually present.
Many allergy sufferers find relief by using OTC products formulated to alleviate the symptoms of allergies in the eye area. Eye drops are a common option and include tear substitutes, antihistamines, and ones that contain mast cell stabilizers.
Tear substitutes help to form a barrier over the eye that protects it from airborne allergens, and helps to flush out potential contact allergens. Antihistamine drops work to reduce swelling and puffiness that have already been initiated by the allergen by blocking histamine receptors. Eye drops that contain mast-cell stabilizers will inhibit mast cells from producing antihistamines, therefore preventing an inflammatory allergic reaction.
Other than eye drops, certain sprays and oral medications can be effective in treating puffy eyes caused by allergies. Studies suggest that liposomal sprays may be as effective as antihistamine eye drops when it comes to alleviating allergy symptoms.
Oral antihistamines may also provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms these medications block the bodys production of histamines and prevent a reaction to the allergen from occurring.
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