You can usually take swollen eyes caused by allergies by antihistamines, cold compresses, and eye drops. In some cases, if your symptoms are worse, a doctor will recommend you receive allergy shots.
Some people can develop swollen eyes due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies, occurs when the membrane that covers your eye and inner eyelid becomes itchy, red, and swollen. These symptoms are an allergic reaction to a harmless substance, such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Eye (ocular) allergy.
Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common health issues you can usually treat on your own at home. Keep reading to learn about allergic swollen eyes, including symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms
Common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are:
- A gritty sensation in your eyes
- Burning
- Itching
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Weepiness (usually only one eye)
You might also experience symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also known as seasonal allergies), including:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Clogged ears
- Coughing
- Sneezing
These symptoms are usually more severe if outdoor allergens affect you more than indoor allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander.
Causes
The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are triggered by allergens. Some common allergens include dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen.
Your body responds to contact between your eyes and an allergen by releasing the chemical histamine. The membranes that cover the fronts of your eyes and line the inside of your eyelids, or conjunctiva, swell due to the increased blood vessels.
Risk factors
You might be at a higher risk of developing allergic conjunctivitis if another member of your family has it.Allergic conjunctivitis has been associated with other allergic conditions as well, which include:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly rashes
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Dry eye syndrome
How To Treat Swollen Eyes From Allergies
The aim of the treatment is to minimize eyelid swelling, itching, redness, and other symptoms. Avoiding allergens is one of the best ways of treating symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. You’ll want to reduce doing outdoor tasks, for instance, if you are allergic to pollen and it’s dry and windy. There are always high levels of pollen in these weather conditions.
Other treatments for allergy swollen eyes are:
- Antihistamines: These drugs will reduce the histamine effects. These include itching and watery eyes. They come in a variety of over-the-counter products, including pills, capsules, liquids, eye drops, and others.
- Cold compress: Applying a cool compress to your eyes helps ease painful swelling.
- Eye drops. This includes decongestant, lubricating, and mild eye steroid drops
- Decongestant eye drops can cause dryness to the eyes. Use them no longer than five days or when you have contact lenses. Healthcare providers often reserve mild eye steroid drops for more serious cases and often prescribe them with an antihistamine.
- Immunotherapy, or allergy shots: Your doctor will administer small amounts of allergens intradermally to help increase your tolerance. This treatment generally takes three to five years before it is completely effective.
If your eyes itch, swell, and water frequently, and you do not know what is responsible for your symptoms, you may want to consult an allergist. They can help identify what you are allergic to and predict when your symptoms might worsen.
Is Allergic Conjunctivitis Contagious?
Allergic eye conditions are not contagious like bacterial and viral pink eye. You can, however still avoid allergens in the eyes with some steps that include;
- You should not keep pets in the bedroom if you are allergic to their dander
- If it is hot, dry, and windy you will be allergic to pollen; make sure to keep the windows up because it reaches high pollen levels.
- Lubricating eye drops can help eliminate allergens from your eyes after spending time outside
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in your house to get rid of dust
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses while outside
When to See a Doctor
Allergic conjunctivitis often fades away when exposed to less amount of allergen. You are advised to go see a health care provider for further diagnosis, if home treatment does not yield results.
Usually, complications occur rarely. Never hesitate to make a visit in case you start experiencing some symptoms such as:
- Eye pain with no reduction nor increase in their intensity
- Severe headache
- Redness with swelling in either eyelids or periorbital skin
- Disturbed vision
