Allergy Eye Swelling: Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Treatments
Allergic Conjunctivitis, or allergy eye swelling, is a painful swelling of the eyelids.
It may also cause burning and itching of the eyes.
Around 40% of the population has allergic Conjunctivitis.
It is mainly caused due to the pollen in the wind during windy days.
An eye examination can help in diagnosing allergy eye swelling.
You can use a cold compress or allergy eye drops to help with allergic Conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis include:
- Itching or intense burning of eyes
- Puffy eyelids, specifically in the morning
- Red eyes
- Eye discharge as strings
- Widened blood vessels in clear tissue covering the whites of the eyes
- Teary or watery eyes
Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis
When your eyes are exposed to allergy triggers, the body releases a substance called Histamine.
Due to it, the blood vessels in the Conjunctiva become swollen. The eyes may become teary, itchy, or red very quickly.
The pollen that may cause allergy symptoms varies from person to person and the environment.
They are tiny and hard to see, including grasses, ragweed, and trees. They may also cause hay fever.
More pollen in the air may worsen your symptoms of allergic Conjunctivitis.
Mold and dust mites or even animal dander may also cause this problem.
Allergies may be hereditary as well.
It can be difficult to identify the exact cause of the allergy.
This is especially because other issues with similar symptoms are also clumped under allergy.
Diagnosis
Allergic Conjunctivitis is diagnosed based on an eye examination.
Skin and blood tests may also be required to diagnose and identify the particular allergen that may have caused the reaction.
Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis
You can try the following given home remedies and medical interventions for treating allergic Conjunctivitis:
Wash your face
You should wash your face often.
It washes away the possible allergens on your face.
Apply a cold compress
Itching and swelling in the eyes can be reduced using cold compresses.
A towel, washcloth dipped in cold water, refrigerated damp cloth, or eye pillow is used for the same.
Lie down and then spread the compress across your eyes to reduce swelling and cool them down.
Rinse out the eyes
Rinse your eyes with water regularly.
It loosens the allergens from inside the eyes and flushes them out.
Also Read: Learn all about natural remedies in our article. Read “Natural Remedies for Eye Allergies: Relief without Medication.”
Allergy eye drops
Doctors may prescribe over-the-counter eye drops to soothe your swollen and itchy eyes caused due to allergies.
An antihistamine eye drop might be prescribed to you by your ophthalmologist.
You can also use mast cell stabilizer eye drops, which prevent the release of Histamines in your body.
Oral medications or allergy shots
Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications may relieve mild allergy symptoms. These symptoms include swollen eyes.
In addition to these medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can also help with allergy symptoms.
An OTC nasal spray called Flonase (Fluticasone) is a corticosteroid formulated to relieve people of their itchy and watery eyes and possible nasal congestion.
Stay indoors
You should note that the weather plays a significant role in spreading pollen, thus worsening allergic Conjunctivitis.
On a breezy day, a lot of pollen is in the air. Thus, it will continuously expose you to allergens.
On such days, when the allergens are high in the air, you are advised to stay indoors.
Also, rubbing your eyes can worsen the symptoms.
Difference between Pink eye and allergies
Conjunctivitis or pink eye refers to an infection of the Conjunctiva.
Allergy eye swelling may be confused with a viral injection of Conjunctiva due to the similarity of their symptoms.
Similarities between Pink eye and Allergic Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of both are:
- Redness in the eye
- Water discharge from the eyes
- Foreign body sensation or gritty feeling
Differences between the two
- Intense itching in the eyes happens only in eye allergies
- While Pink eye starts in one eye and spreads to the other, eye allergies affect both eyes at once
- While viral Conjunctivitis is contagious, allergic Conjunctivitis is not
Your doctor can distinguish between these conditions through a proper eye examination.
Also Read: For a detailed understanding of the difference between the two, read our article “Pink Eye vs Allergies: Understanding the Differences and Symptoms.”
Takeaway
Allergic Conjunctivitis or allergy eye swelling is mainly caused due to allergens such as pollen grains.
It can often be confused with Pink eye. However, they are different.
A proper eye examination is required to diagnose it in a person.
Many treatments can help you with allergic Conjunctivitis, such as washing your eyes regularly, using allergy eye drops, and even staying indoors.
Frequently asked questions
Can allergies cause eye swelling?
Yes, allergies can result in eye swelling. Swelling of the eye may be a symptom of your eye being allergic to pollen grains or something else.
How long does a swollen eye from allergies last?
In most cases, the swollen eye from allergies will disappear within one day. However, it depends on the cause of the allergies.
How do you reduce eye swelling from allergies?
You can use a cold compress, allergy eye drops, oral medications, and allergy shots to treat the eye swelling caused due to allergies.
Should I see a doctor if I have eye swelling due to allergies?
The eye swelling should lessen by itself within a day or so. If it doesn’t reduce, you should approach your doctor to find the reason behind the swelling and get it treated.
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