OverviewNothing is more irritating than the feeling that there is something in your eye. But if your eyes are red and irritated, and you don’t see anything in them, it could be allergies. Symptoms can occur independently but usually accompany the sneezing, sniffling or stuffy nose related to nasal allergies. Show
Eye Allergy Symptoms
When you want to know what’s irritating your peepers…It’s time for an allergist. Eye Allergy Triggers
Eye Allergy Management and TreatmentAvoid triggers by making changes to your home and your routine.
Control some symptoms with nonprescription medications, sold over the counter:
See an allergist for prescription medications, which may be more effective:
DiagnosisEye allergies develop when the body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problem in most people. An allergic reaction can occur when that “something” (called an allergen) comes in contact with antibodies attached to the mast cells in your eyes; the cells respond by releasing histamine and other substances or chemicals that cause tiny blood vessels to leak and the eyes to become itchy, red and watery. Eye allergies share symptoms with some diseases of the eye, making accurate diagnosis imperative. The symptoms of eye allergy can range from mildly annoying redness to inflammation severe enough to impair vision. If symptoms persist or over-the-counter remedies do not bring relief, see an allergist, who will review your medical history and symptoms and conduct tests that can reveal an eye allergy. Those tests may include an examination with a microscope, which will show swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye. In addition, your doctor may test for a certain type of white blood cell that shows up on areas of the eye affected by allergies. This involves gently scraping the conjunctiva (the inner lining of the eyelid) and seeing if those cells are found.
The primary types of eye allergy are seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, contact allergic conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitisSeasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is by far the most common type of eye allergy. Patients experience symptoms in spring, summer or fall, depending on the type of plant pollens in the air. Typical symptoms include:
People with SAC may have chronic dark circles (known as allergic shiners) under their eyes. The eyelids may be puffy, and bright lights may be bothersome. SAC symptoms often accompany the runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion associated with hay fever and other seasonal allergies. The itching may be so bothersome that patients rub their eyes frequently, making symptoms worse and potentially causing infection. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC), as its name implies, occurs year-round. Symptoms are the same as with SAC, but tend to be milder. They are caused by reactions to dust mites, mold, pet dander or other household allergens, rather than pollen. Vernal keratoconjunctivitisVernal keratoconjunctivitis is a more serious eye allergy than SAC or PAC. While it can occur year-round, symptoms may worsen seasonally. It primarily occurs in boys and young men; about 75 percent of patients also have eczema or asthma. Symptoms include:
If left untreated, vernal keratoconjunctivitis can impair vision. Atopic keratoconjunctivitisThis type of allergy primarily affects older patients – mostly men with a history of allergic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic keratoconjunctivitis can occur year-round and are similar to those of vernal keratoconjunctivitis:
If left untreated, atopic keratoconjunctivitis can result in scarring of the cornea and its delicate membrane. Contact allergic conjunctivitisThis can result from irritation by contact lenses or by the proteins from tears that bind to the surface of the lens. Symptoms include:
Giant papillary conjunctivitisAssociated with wearing contact lenses, giant papillary conjunctivitis is a severe form of contact allergic conjunctivitis in which individual fluid sacs, or papules, form in the upper lining of the inner eyelid. Symptoms include:
Management and TreatmentAllergen avoidanceThe first approach in managing seasonal or perennial forms of eye allergy should be to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Outdoor exposure:
Indoor exposure:
Exposure to pets:
Many allergens that trigger eye allergies are airborne, so you can’t always avoid them. Discuss your symptoms with your allergist to determine which treatment options are right for you. OTC eyedrops and medicationsNonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) eyedrops and oral medications are commonly used for short-term relief of some symptoms. They may not relieve all symptoms, and prolonged use of some OTC eyedrops may actually cause your condition to worsen.
Prescription eyedrops and medicationsPrescription eyedrops and oral medications also are used to treat eye allergies. The prescription drops provide both short- and long-term targeted relief of eye allergy symptoms. See an allergist for expert care and relief.
Children with eye allergiesChildren can be treated with both OTC and prescription eyedrops and medications. Artificial tears are safe and can be used at any age. Some eyedrops, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, can be used in children 3 and older. Any treatment should be discussed with your child’s physician. How do you get rid of swollen eyelids from allergies?Apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a clean, wet washcloth to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to decrease eyelid swelling and pain. You can safely give your child an allergy medicine or antihistamine by mouth. This will help to decrease eyelid swelling and itching. Benadryl every 6 hours or so is best.
How long does it take for swollen eyes from allergies to go down?Itching may last for 2 days. Pinkness or redness lasts about 3 days. The eye may be puffy for up to 7 days.
What helps swollen eyes from seasonal allergies?Antihistamine eyedrops can reduce eye swelling, itching and redness associated with allergies. Antihistamine drops combined with a mast cell stabilizer provide relief for itching, redness and burning sensation and can also prevent symptoms.
What reduces swelling from allergies fast?Your GP may suggest taking antihistamines to reduce swelling when it occurs. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, one of the chemicals responsible for the swelling. Some types can be bought in pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.
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