What To Do For Swollen Eyes Allergies

Do Puffy Eyes Mean I Have A Medical Condition

Puffy eyes typically are simply due to aging, genetics, and possibly lack of sleep. But sometimes, swollen eyelids are mistaken for puffy eyes.

When swollen eyelids occur suddenly, it might be a sign you have an underlying medical problem.

Unlike puffy eyes, swollen eyelids may be a sign of conditions such as:

If youre uncertain whether you have puffy eyes or swollen eyelids that might indicate an underlying medical condition, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will be able to distinguish between the two conditions and whether additional medical testing or care is indicated.

When To See A Doctor About A Swollen Eyelid

Be sure to visit your doctor for an eye exam if you experience any of the following issues along with your swollen eyelids:

• Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.

• Eyelid swelling doesn’t go away with home remedies.

• Vision starts to change or get worse.

• Black dots, or floaters, appear in your vision.

• Discomfort intensifies or does not go away.

• Lump starts to appear within the swelling.

• Eye movement becomes difficult.

A physician or eye doctor will give you a medical diagnosis and the most effective treatment. A referral to an ophthalmologist may be needed if the cause of the swollen eyelid is severe enough.

How Do Specialists Diagnose An Eye Allergy

Most often, a medical professional is able to diagnose allergic conjunctivitis from the symptoms alone. Testing is rarely necessary. In certain cases, an ophthalmologist may perform the following test to rule out other conditions:

• The front of the eyes are examined using a special microscope, called a slit lamp. Using the slit lamp, an ophthalmologist checks the eyes for dilated blood vessels, conjunctival swelling, and eyelid swelling, all of which are indicative of an allergic reaction.
• Rarely, scraping of the conjunctiva is performed to check for eosinophils. Eosinophils are certain white blood cells that are commonly associated with allergies.
• An allergist may perform testing to identify an environmental trigger for eye symptoms. Testing generally involves skin prick testing for a standard panel of airborne allergens. The allergist may also order blood work looking for allergic antibodies for various allergens .

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Eliminating or even minimizing exposure to allergens may lead to symptomatic improvement. Therefore, an evaluation with an allergist to identify culprit allergens may be very helpful. The following are some environmental control measures to minimize allergen exposure.

• For dust mites:
• Wash sheets in hot water once weekly.
• Use allergen impermeable covers for mattresses and pillows.
• Minimize carpeting, linens, stuffed animals, etc., where dust mites can collect.

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When You Should Go To The Doctor

Although the severity of swollen eyes reduces once you start eliminating the triggers, you might want to see a doctor even when the eyes get healed. In case your eyeball is hurting, immediately see a doctor. If you feel your vision is getting impaired even after the swelling has subsided, even then consult a doctor immediately.

Treating Your Own Eye Allergies

Get off to a good start by avoiding whatever youâre allergic to. You can also try these tips:

Minimize clutter where allergens can collect. Limit pillows, bedding, draperies, and other linens, such as dust ruffles and canopies. Also, keep knick-knacks to a minimum, since they can collect dust.

Go with as little carpeting as possible. The carpet can harbor dust mites.

Clean regularly and thoroughly. Thatâll help limit dust and mold.

Get rid of any water leaks and standing water. Both encourage mold growth.

Use barriers and filters. Shield mattresses and pillows with covers that block allergens. Use allergen filters in both the furnace and the air conditioner in your home. Also, be sure to change them regularly. Keep outdoor allergens outdoors by keeping windows and doors closed.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy or possible to avoid the things that trigger your allergies. If that’s the case for you, these at-home treatments may give you some relief:

Apply cool compresses to your eyes to ease the allergic reaction.

Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.

Use over-the-counter medications, like allergy eye drops and oral antihistamines for mild allergies.

Try not to rub your eyes, since that can make your symptoms worse.

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What Is A Swollen Eyelid

A swollen eyelid develops due to fluid buildup or inflammation in the connective tissue around the eye. Swollen eyes may or may not be painful, and the condition can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. Swollen eyelids are treatable at home for the most common causes.

Swelling of the eyelids can range from minor to severe and can have many underlying causes. In some cases, swollen eyelids may be a sign of a more serious health problem that could cause vision loss.

A doctor or family physician can identify the cause of your swollen eyelid if home remedies do not work.

Puffy Eyes In The Morning

When we’re sleeping, we don’t blink. And this is part of the reason why eye puffiness develops.

Blinking for eyelids is like walking for legs. When idle, some people develop swelling in their lower extremities that goes away as soon as they start walking and muscles in the legs begin “milking” the trapped fluids , which are absorbed back into circulation.

A similar action takes place in the eyelids.

The closed, non-blinking eyelids during sleep potentially can swell in certain people prone to this problem. So in the mornings, you could wake up with puffy eyes. When you wake up and start blinking, some of the puffiness gradually goes away.

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What Causes Eye Allergies

Eye allergies are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens that get into your eyes. Examples of these are pollen, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander. Eye allergies are not contagious. They cannot be spread to another person.

Irritants like dirt, smoke, chemicals, and chlorine can also cause swelling and redness of the eyes. This reaction is not an allergic reaction. Viruses and bacteria can also cause the same irritation of the eyes. This reaction is also not an allergic reaction. Some medications and cosmetics can also cause eye allergy symptoms.

The eyes are an easy target for allergens and irritants because they are exposed and sensitive. The body responds to these allergens by releasing chemicals, including histamines, which produce the inflammation.

Pink eye is something different. It is a viral or bacterial infection of the eye tissue. Its called infectious conjunctivitis. It usually starts in one eye and can spread easily to the other eye within a day or two. This eye condition is easily transmitted from person to person. But it is usually not a serious health risk if diagnosed right away.

Have An Allergy Plan And Stick To It

The best way to avoid suffering from itchy, swollen eyes, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms is to prevent symptoms before they start. Know your allergy triggers and do your best to avoid them. Do you feel better or worse during certain times of the year? Your doctor can perform allergy testing to identify which substances are irritants for you. You may need a combination of oral medications, nasal sprays, eye drops, and shots to control your eye allergy and allergic symptoms. Ask your doctor how best to control your chronic allergy symptoms and what to do if you have an allergic reaction.

Self-Care Tips

Ask whether home remedies, like applying a cool compress over itchy eyes, will help. Discuss plans for how to treat mild and more severe symptoms with the doctor. Ditch the contact lenses when itchy eyes flare up. Stick to glasses. Follow your doctor’s eye care instructions. Stash moisturizing eyedrops on hand at home and work to treat dry eyes when they occur. Protect your eye health by wearing sunglasses outside. You can manage diseases like eye allergies, asthma, eczema, and other conditions with the right plan.

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Flu Shot Side Effects : What’s Normal And What’s Cause For Concern

All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects, and that includes your yearly flu shot. Here’s what to expect when you get your flu shot this year.

The flu shot can cause some side effects which are usually normal.

The coronavirus is still a very real concern this fall, but so is the influenza virus, aka the flu. The good news is we have very safe and effective tools for fighting and preventing both potentially deadly viruses, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu vaccine.

According to the CDC, flu shots are safe and one of the best ways to keep from getting and spreading the flu to others. And people who get vaccinated and get sick anyway often experience less severe symptoms. If you’re thinking of getting vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC says it is safe to get both vaccines together .

The simple fact is, flu vaccines can save lives. There are plenty of myths out there about the flu vaccine, such as the idea that it can give you the flu. While that’s not true, you can experience some side effects from the flu shot. The side effects are usually mild and nothing to worry about, but it’s important to know about them so you’re not worried when you get your vaccine.

Below, Dr. Carmen Teague, specialty medical director at Atrium Health‘s Mecklenburg Medical Group shares what you need to know about common flu shot side effects that are normal, and which side effects may be a sign of something more serious.

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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.

Nosh On Berries To Fight Histamine Release

A flavonoid called quercetin which is present in blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries and which gives them their trademark color can stop your body from producing and releasing histamine. One study even found that when people took a quercetin glycoside 4 weeks before pollen counts became high in the atmosphere, they experienced relief from symptoms such as itching and watering of the eyes caused by cedar pollen.12 So start snacking on yummy berries before pollen season gets here to beat your eye allergy.13

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Other Swollen Eyelid Causes & Symptoms

In some cases, swollen eyelids may be symptomatic of a bigger health problem, such as orbital cellulitis , Graves disease , and ocular herpes . In general, swollen eyelids are accompanied by symptoms such as itching or scratching sensations, excessive tear production resulting in watery eyes, obstructed vision, redness of the eyelid, eye discharge, and eyelid dryness or flaking. Pain generally accompanies swollen eyelids that are caused by an infection.

Many people also use the term puffy eyes interchangeably with swollen eyelids. However, for medical professionals, swollen eyes are generally used to describe an immune system response to an allergy, infection, or injury. Puffy eyes typically refer to eyes that are swollen from external reasons, such as water retention, a lack of sleep, or even genetic traits like hereditary dark circles under the eyes.

Eye allergies are the most common cause for swollen eyes. In this case, the swollen eyes are symptomatic of the bodys overreaction to a foreign substance, known as an allergen. Common allergens that can trigger swollen eyes include pollen, dust and pet dander, and can sometimes be due to the changing of the seasons. Some types of contact solution and eye drops may also trigger an allergic reaction in certain individuals with sensitive eyes.

What Are The Potential Complications Of Eyelid Swelling

Complications associated with eyelid swelling can be progressive and vary depending on the underlying cause. Because eyelid swelling can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in complications and permanent damage. It is important to visit your healthcare provider when you experience any kind of persistent swelling or other unusual . Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, following the treatment plan outlined by your doctor can help reduce any potential complications including:

• Chronic discomfort orpain

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What Is The Difference Between Puffy And Swollen Eyes

The term “puffy eyes” doesn’t mean the same thing as “swollen eyelids.” The two terms refer to different conditions.

Swollen eyelids, or swelling around the eyes, is an inflammatory response to allergies, infection or injury. Eyelid swelling can happen with just one eye or both eyes.

Eye puffiness is usually related to lack of sleep, age-related sagging of tissue and general water retention. If you have puffy eyes, it will typically affect both eyes.

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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When Should I Seek Medical Attention For My Puffy Eyes

Eye swelling can be a sign of a serious problem. When the swelling is persistent, medical attention should be sought. Any time you receive a blow to the eye you should seek medical attention, even if there is no swelling. Seek medical attention immediately if the following symptoms accompany the eye swelling:

• Fever
• Swelling in face and neck areas
• Chills
• Redness around the eye

Some of the above are symptoms of orbital cellulitis. Although orbital cellulitis is not as common a disease as conjunctivitis, it does have devastating effects. When left untreated, it can lead to very serious complications such as a blood infection or meningitis.

If you are unable to drive yourself to the doctor, ask a relative or friend. If one is not available and you feel this is an emergency, call 911. Never attempt to drive yourself when you are experiencing vision problems.

Other Kinds Of Eye Drops

Some eye drops work only when you take them before your symptoms hit. They take longer to work than antihistamine eye drops, but the effects last longer. Sometimes they are combined with antihistamines. These eye drops need a prescription:

• pemirolast potassium

Ketorolac (Acular or Acuvail0 is another kind of eye drop. It relieves itchy eyes, usually in about an hour. It can sting or burn at first.

Steroid eye drops like loteprednol treat severe, long-lasting eye allergies. They are usually used only for a short time because they can cause serious side effects.

If youâre still having symptoms, your doctor may suggest allergy shots. With allergy shots, your body is exposed to increasing amounts of an allergen over time and gradually gets used to it. Depending on the cause of your allergies, oral tablets or drops that work much like allergy shots could be used instead.

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