Eye Allergy / Allergic Conjunctivitis

Eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are a common eye condition. The tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and outside of the eyeball is called the conjunctiva. This tissue keeps your eyelid and eyeball moist.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed. With eye allergies, you usually see redness and itching in both eyes, instead of in just one eye.

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. It’s 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.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Eye Allergies?

The common signs and symptoms of eye allergies are:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning feeling
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Feeling like there is dirt or grit in your eyes

You may also have a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, coughing, or a sinus headache. Many also find that their vision is briefly blurred or that they feel distracted, unproductive, or tired.

What Is the Treatment for Eye Allergies?

The first and best option is to avoid contact with substances that trigger your eye allergies. If that is not enough, consider using:

• Saline eye drops to wash away the allergens
• Over-the-counter medicine or eye drops (short-term use)
• Prescription treatments from your doctor
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) from your doctor

Eye allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed or after the allergy is treated. Talk to your pharmacist and health care provider about what is best for you.

How Can I Prevent Eye Allergies?

The first and best option is to avoid contact with things that trigger your eye allergies. Other tips are:

• Don’t touch or rub your eye(s).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Use a vacuum with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter to reduce exposure to allergens.
• Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
• Use allergen covers (encasements) for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and consider using them for box springs.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander allergen in your bedding.
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to help keep pollen from getting into your eyes.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen and mold seasons. Use the air conditioner in your car and home. Also, think about using a CERTIFIED air filter.

Medical Review October 2015.

Allergy Capitals

Your location can have an impact on your seasonal allergies. AAFA’s Allergy Capitals™ report looks at the top 100 most challenging cities in the continental United States to live with seasonal pollen allergies.

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Eyelid Strabismus Orbit Neuro Ophthalmology

Many  cases of non-infectious eyelid swelling and eyelid skin rash are from sensitivity to hair products, soaps, nail polish, cyanoacrylate glue, swim goggles or past cosmetic filler.  Blepharochalasis syndrome, Melkerrson Rosenthal syndrome, and cerebrospinal fluid leak post trauma are rare causes of lid swelling.

If you have a suspected skin allergy try the following first:  Notes modified from Dr. Melanie Pratt (University of Ottawa) and Dr. Skotnicki’s (Bay Dermatology Centre, Suite 536, 790 Bay Street  Phone: (416) 515-8808   Fax: (416) 515-8805) Lecture on Eyelid Dermatitis  

REMOVE ALL POTENTIAL IRRITANTS.  Nail polish.  Hair dyes.  Shampoo, soap, facial cream/lotions, makeup, makeup applicators, topical medications, nickel glasses or rings

Anything with FRAGRANCE is an irritant.  Fragranced hair care products, hand and body moisturizers. 

Botanicals and natural products can irritate.  **Natural and Botanical products are NOT better since they may contain fragrance  Mica/shimmer makeup can irritate.  Sunscreens can irritate.  Antibiotic ointments and preps.  The benzalkonium chloride in eye drops can irritate.

“Hypoallergenic” and “Sensitive skin care” do NOT mean fragrance free.   The product must specifically say on the label that it is fragrance free.

If asymmetric lid involvement consider ectopic contact dermatitis from the hands.

If spread beyond the lids consider allergic contact dermatitis from product applied to the face.

If spread behind the ear, consider seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.

If limited to lid, consider irritant dermatitis.

If medial upper lid consdier psoriasis or lichen simplex chronicus (LSC)

ALLERGEN SOURCES

Soaps and shampoos:  cocoamindopropylbetaine (foaming agent in shampoo), fragrance, formaldehyde releasers (quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl urea pet, imidazlidinyl urea pet, 2-bromo 2 nitropropane-1,3diol, DMDM hydantoin), methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazinolone, methlisothiazinolone.  A minor allergen could be parabens.

Hair dyes:  paraphenlenediamine; 2-5 diaminotoluene sulfate

Facial moisturizers:  formaldehyde releasers, fragrances, parabens, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, iodopropynbutylcarbamate

Contact lens solution

COMMON SKIN ALLERGENS:  Nickel, Balsam of Peru, Neomycin, Fragrance, Quaternium, Cobalt, Bacitracin, Formaldehyde, Methyldibromo glutaronitrile

Occasionally gold

Neomycin cross reacts with gentamycin, tobramycin, framycetin (soframycin), bacitracin

TREATMENT

Wash:  Dove bar, Cetaphil, CeraVe, Cliniderm

Moisturizer:  Cetaphil, CeraVe, Cliniderm

Shampoo:  Cliniderm        (*Dove shampoo has fragrance!)

NO makeup temporarily.   Avoid all makeup with shimmer/glitter (mica)

Cortate 1% ung or Prevex HC.  (No Protopic 0.1% ung until after irritation settled)

After the skin is clear reintroduce one product at a time q 5 days  (Cosmetics from Clinique, Marcell and Almay are sometimes better tolerated in some patients than others)

If recurrrence patch test

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS:  steroids, antifungals, wash face with dandruff shampoo

ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND LICHEN SIMPLEX CHRONICUS:  (usually an obvious atopic patient with seasonal allergies, hay fever and asthma).  Try antihistamines and protopic 0.1%   Lichen simplex chronicus can be seen in non-atopic patients too

MEDICAL ARTICLES ON EYELID SWELLING:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2884828/

http://telemedicine.orbis.org/bins/volume_page.asp?cid=1-2897-3339-3360

EYELID DERMATITIS  modified from John Kraft, MD and Charles Lynde, MD  December 2008

Eyelid dermatitis refers to a contact dermatitis, allergic or irritant, affecting the eyelids. It’s a very common problem and the commonest skin disease of the eyelids.

The eyelids are prone to contact dermatitis due to the thinness of the skin. Eyelids are only a quarter of the thickness of the skin on the rest of the face. There’s a relatively high level of percutaneous absorption. Also, eyelids are frequently touched and rubbed inadvertently by contaminated hands and fingers. Due to the greater absorption on the eyelids, they are more likely to be affected, whereas the source areas can remain disease-free. Although irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most common form of contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is the predominant source of eyelid dermatitis.

CLINICAL FINDINGS  The hallmark of eyelid dermatitis is an acute eruption of poorly demarcated erythema with a papulovesicular eruption and swelling accompanied by itching. ICD can be more dry, with fine scaling, and often more burning than itching.

The distribution of ACD is often the most important clue to the diagnosis of the disease, as it typically affects the area of greatest exposure to the offending allergen. However, in eyelid dermatitis, areas from which the allergen was transferred are often spared.

SOURCES OF EYELID ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS  A careful history, including detailing all possible allergen contacts, and physical examination are key to solving the probable cause of a patient’s eyelid dermatitis (see Table 1). Most patients use a variety of nail products, hair products and cosmetics. Nail polish can be transferred to the eyes when touching the face.  Avoid all wet nail polish.  Glues in artificial nails can be transferred in a similar fashion. Hair dyes, bleaching agents, perfumed hair sprays and shampoos may affect the eyelids without any associated scalp or forehead dermatitis. Interestingly, cosmetics applied to the hair, face or fingernails are more commonly implicated in eyelid ACD than those applied to the eyelids themselves.

Ophthalmic medications, such as topical antibiotics and glaucoma drops, should also be reviewed as potential allergens. A good clue is that dermatitis can also be present below the nares in addition to the eyelids, suggesting transfer of allergen through the nasolacrimal duct. Also consider a possible contact allergy to topical steroids, either the steroid itself or the vehicle.

Nickel is a very common cause of ACD, with a prevalence in the general population of roughly 15%. Patients can develop eyelid dermatitis from nickel-plated eyelash curlers, nail files and tweezers and glasses.

Plants are another source of eyelid ACD to consider. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can cause marked swelling of the eyelids with minimum involvement of the face.

Another source of eyelid dermatitis is hand transfer. This is commonly seen in poison ivy dermatitis and may be seen in persons handling rubber, metals and other materials. Rubber in makeup sponges and eyelash curlers may also affect the eyelids.

Airborne allergens include pollens, animal hairs, dust and any volatile agent such as household sprays, insecticides and occupational chemicals. The phosphorous sesquisulfide in “strike anywhere” matches can also produce eyelid dermatitis by an airborne route.

Other less common causes of eyelid dermatitis include sensitization to fragrances or formaldehyde in facial tissues. Newsprint and carbon paper may produce eyelid dermatitis, through sensitization to formaldehyde.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS  There are many conditions that can produce redness of the eyelids (see Table 2). Irritant contact dermatitis is mainly a diagnosis of exclusion. Atopic dermatitis (AD) often affects the eyes in adults. ACD usually affects the upper eyelids while AD frequently causes eyelid dermatitis involving both the upper and lower eyelids. AD may itself be a risk factor for ACD. Seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea are often seen in other areas as well. Psoriasis may be accompanied by lesions in other areas, nail changes and/or a positive family history. Dermatomyositis can produce a heliotrope-like eruption (deep purple) of the upper eyelid with swelling, and other findings would be expected.

INVESTIGATIONS AND MANAGEMENT  The diagnosis of eyelid dermatitis is usually made from a detailed history, physical findings and patch testing. Patients should be referred to a dermatologist for consideration of patch testing.

Patch testing, when done properly, can confirm the presence of an allergic contact dermatitis. Purified potential allergens of known concentrations are placed under non-allergenic aluminum discs (Finn chambers) and held in place with tape. Patch testing is usually done on a patient’s back, provided the back is clear of any dermatitis. Patients mustn’t get the area wet during the testing. The patient returns to the office in 48 hours, the chambers are removed and early readings are done. The patient returns for the final read at 5-7 days. The final delayed read is crucial, as many allergens will be missed or mistaken for positives at 48 hours. A positive reaction has various grades depending on the amount of erythema and vesicles. Tests must be interpreted carefully, 
as patch testing can show many false negatives and false positives.

If patch testing, after proper interpretation, suggests a possible allergen, it should be completely eliminated from a patient’s routine. Sometimes this is difficult, but many resources are available to counsel patients on product selection. Elimination can result in rapid clearing.

Patients should also be offered topical corticosteroid therapy. Mild potency steroids can be used safely for short periods around the eyes and are effective. Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus can be used to decrease inflammation without the side effects of topical steroids. Be warned, however, they can sometimes produce burning on application.

Table 1 – Sources of allergic contact dermatitis of the eyelids

Nail products

• nail polish (especially wet nail polish)
• artificial nails

Hair products

• bleaching agents
• hair dyes
• perfumed hair sprays
• shampoos

Cosmetics

• makeup
• moisturizers
• sunscreen

Ophthalmic medications

• antibiotics
• glaucoma drops
• contact lens solution

Nickel

• eyelash curlers
• tweezers
• nail file

Plants

• poison ivy
• poison oak
• poison sumac

Hand transfer

• materials person is handling
• rubber (eyelash curlers, makeup sponges), metals, glues, newsprint

Airborne allergens

• household sprays
• insecticides
• animal hairs
• occupational volatile chemicals
• “strike anywhere” matches

Miscellaneous

• facial tissues

Table 2 – Differential diagnosis of eyelid dermatitis

• allergic contact dermatitis
• irritant dermatitis
• atopic dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• rosacea/perioral dermatitis
• psoriasis
• collagen vascular disease — lupus, dermatomyositis
• infection
  • fungal
  • bacterial
• secondary to conjunctivitis or blepharitis
• urticaria — contact and systemic
• photoirritation
• COMBINATIONS OF THE ABOVE CAN BE POSSIBLE

A skin rash can signal many things, but is often the result of an allergy.  Redness and itchiness, with or without hives, often indicate a skin allergy.  Skin allergies are caused by allergic contact dermatitis.

“Allergic contact dermatitis” is the term used for a rash or irritation of the skin that occurs when allergens, substances that the immune system reacts to as foreign, touch your skin. It’s estimated that atopic dermatitis affects up to 3 percent of adults.  Some common skin allergy triggers are listed below.

Hair Dye  Contact dermatitis from hair dye is caused by sensitivity to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in permanent hair dyes that are mixed with another chemical, such as peroxide, before they’re applied. About 25 percent of people who are allergic to PPD are also allergic to ingredients found in semipermanent hair dyes. Follow the instructions on hair dye packaging for patch-testing for sensitivity before applying dye to your whole head. Another culprit: temporary black henna tattoos, because PPD is added to regular henna to make the color darker or black. A dermatologist can perform a patch test that will help determine if you are allergic to common allergens such as hair dye. 

Cosmetics  Wet nail polish is the most common cause of eyelid dermatitis. Once the nail polish is dry, you may be able to touch your face and eyes, but you should avoid contact until it is completely dry. 

Allergic reactions to cosmetics can be induced by fragrance allergies, but they may also be caused by preservatives used in cosmetics. Skin irritation is a common problem at the site of contact with cosmetics and may be experienced by anyone, but allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, and hives tend to occur in people who are allergic to specific ingredients, like formaldehyde, parabens, and thimerosal.

If you experience a cosmetics allergy, stop using all cosmetics, and then gradually reintroduce products into your routine to isolate the culprit

Fragrances and Perfumes     Perfumes and fragrances are among the most common causes of contact allergies in adults, and this type of allergy is on the rise. But it’s not just the stuff you use to smell good. Fragrances that may cause an allergic reaction are found in hundreds of products, including shampoos, soaps, body washes, and household products like room sprays, cleaners, laundry detergents, and dryer sheets. Even products labeled “unscented” can cause contact dermatitis because they may contain a fragrance designed to block unwanted scents. Research has shown that natural oils can also cause allergic reactions. If you’re prone to fragrance allergies, look for fragrance-free products.

Topical Medications   Antibiotic creams and ointments are useful in treating cuts — except among people with an allergy to neomycin, an ingredient found in topical antibiotics and anesthetics used to provide pain relief, such as creams, ointments, ear drops, and eye drops. These medicines are drying to the skin and create more of an irritant reaction rather than an allergic reaction.  People with a sensitivity to neomycin experience inflamed rashes at the point of contact. If you think you may be allergic to neomycin, an allergist can perform a skin patch test to confirm it. Atropine drops can also cause contact skin allergy.

Household Products that may cause skin allergies include solvents and adhesives — for example, cyanoacrylate, a common household adhesive found in superglues, can cause an allergic reaction. In addition, household cleaning products may include organic solvents, which are used to dissolve stains and grease. Products that contain potent solvents, such as charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, furniture stripper, and nail polish remover, may induce skin allergies / skin irritation. An allergic reaction can look like hives, or red patches that are usually very itchy.

Fabrics and Clothing  The most common fabric-related allergy is an allergy to formaldehyde resins, which are used to make fabrics waterproof and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage. They are also used in elastics, and some people develop a rash around the abdomen when elastic in undergarments is exposed with wear. If you experience formaldehyde allergy symptoms, such as burning eyes, skin rashes, and chest tightness, look for clothing that’s only lightly treated with resins, such as pure cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Often, people who are allergic to formaldehyde in fabric can tolerate clothing that has been washed many times.

Although many people believe they are allergic to wool, a true wool allergy is rare. People are usually just sensitive to the texture of the fabric.

 Sunscreen  The lotion you slather on to protect yourself from the sun could have an unwanted effect — but only if you go out in the sun while you’re wearing it. That might sound bizarre, but some chemicals that are harmless by themselves are converted into allergens when they are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. This type of allergic reaction is called a photocontact allergy, or photoallergic reaction. While certain substances used in sunscreens can cause direct allergic reactions in some people, they cause the reaction in others only when they go out in the sun. Common sunscreen ingredients that can cause allergic reactions include PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), benzophenones, oxybenzone, salicylates, and cyclohexanol.

Nickel is used to create metal alloys found in many metal products including jewelry – even some gold jewelry and body piercings.  Nickel is also found in eyeglass frames, watchbands, zippers, and other metal fasterners, such as buckkles, buttons, snaps and hooks.  Nickle-sensitive people can use nylon or coated-metal fasterners instead. 

Latex  If your skin becomes red and itchy when you wear rubber gloves, you may be allergic to latex, a milky fluid that comes from rubber trees and is processed to make balloons, waistbands on clothing, rubber bands, condoms, and other products. The allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex that your body mistakes for harmful substances. Symptoms can range from mild (rashes, itchy eyes) to severe (difficulty breathing, vomiting). If you have a latex allergy, you can reduce your risk of a reaction by avoiding contact with latex and using substitutes, such as nonlatex gloves.

Poison Ivy  The common weed poison ivy contains an oil, called urushiol, that can cause an allergic reaction. Urushiol is also found in poison oak and poison sumac, which grow as bushes or small trees. Surprisingly, not everyone is allergic to urushiol. For those who are, symptoms of poison ivy rash include itchy skin, redness, hives, and blisters. Urushiol is sticky, so you can get a rash from touching something that came in contact with it — your pet’s fur, your shoes, or firewood, for example. You can experience a poison ivy allergy only if you are exposed to urushiol; the resulting rashes are not contagious. These rashes can usually be treated at home by washing the affected area with cool water and applying nonprescription antihistamines and calamine lotion. Severe cases may require a visit to the doctor.

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2012 Mar-Apr;33(2):205-11. A 44-year-old man with bilateral eyelid swelling.Ricketti AJ, Cleri DJ, Moser RL, Bilyk JR, Vernaleo JR, UnkleDW.   Swollen eyelids are commonly ascribed to allergic conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, angioedema, or acute sinusitis. The differential diagnosis extends to thyroid eye disease; blepharitis; Sjögren’s syndrome; Churg-Strauss vasculitis; Wegener’s granulomatosis; Gleich syndrome;orbital and ocular lymphoid hyperplasia or adnexal lymphoma; idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease/idiopathic sclerosing orbital inflammation; rarely, orbital parasitosis; and IgG4-related diseases.

Eye edema – causes, diseases, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Description

Eye edema is a condition in which the tissues around the eye swell and become swollen. Edema of the eyes may be unilateral or bilateral and may vary in severity. It is often accompanied by a feeling of tension, discomfort, or even pain in the eye area. The causes of eye swelling can be various, including allergic reactions, infections, trauma, inflammation, or systemic diseases.

Eye swelling is dangerous

Eye swelling is not usually dangerous in itself, but in some cases it may indicate a serious problem or require medical attention. Some of the possible eye swelling problems include:

1. Allergic reaction: Swelling of the eyes may be caused by an allergy to various substances such as dust, pollen, foods or drugs. In some cases, allergic swelling of the eyes may be associated with anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.

2. Infection: Swelling of the eyes may result from an infection such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), or orbital cellulitis (inflammation of the tissue around the eye). More serious complications may develop and require medical evaluation and treatment.

3. Injury: Injury to the eye or around the eye may cause swelling. It can be caused by a blow, bruise, wound, or surgery. If swelling of the eye is accompanied by severe pain, blurred vision, or other serious symptoms, urgent medical attention is required.

4. Diseases: Some systemic diseases such as kidney disease, heart failure, allergic angioedema, or thyroid disease can cause eye swelling. In such cases, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease is required.

Physiological causes of eye swelling

Physiological causes of eye swelling may be related to normal physiological processes or everyday factors. Here are some examples:

1. Fatigue and lack of sleep: Lack of rest and fatigue can lead to swelling of the eyes. This is usually associated with fluid retention in the tissues around the eyes.

2. Salinity in food: When you eat a lot of salty food, the body can retain more water, which can lead to swelling of the eyes.

3. Periods: Some women may experience swelling of the eyes before periods due to changes in hormone levels.

4. Weather and climate: Extreme temperatures, high humidity or dry air can cause eye swelling.

5. Eye strain: Excessive computer use, reading, or other visual work can cause eye muscle tension and swelling.

6. Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol may cause temporary swelling of the eyes due to dehydration and fluid retention in the body.

Pathological causes of eye edema

Pathological causes of eye swelling can be associated with various diseases or medical conditions. Some of the most common pathological causes of eye swelling include:

1. Allergic conjunctivitis: This is an inflammatory condition caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, food or other allergens. Eye swelling is one of the typical symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

2. Keratitis: Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can cause eye swelling, tenderness, and vision changes. Keratitis can be caused by infection, trauma, or other factors.

3. Orbital cellulitis: This is an infectious inflammatory disease that affects the tissues around the eye socket. Orbital cellulitis can cause eye swelling, pain, limited eye movement, and other symptoms.

4. Ocular Injury: A blow, bruise, wound or other injury to the eye or around the eye can cause swelling of the eye. This may be due to damage to the tissues and blood vessels around the eye.

5. Thyroid Inflammation: Some thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can cause swelling of the eyes, often referred to as “bulging eyes” or “goiter”.

6. Ocular migraine: Some people with migraine may experience eye swelling during or before a migraine.

Associated symptoms

Associated symptoms of eye swelling may vary depending on the cause of the swelling and other associated conditions. Some of the possible symptoms that may accompany swelling of the eyes include:

1. Redness: The skin around the eyes may be red and irritated.

2. Soreness: Swelling of the eye may be accompanied by pain or discomfort.

3. Itching: Some people may experience itching around the swollen eyes.

4. Discharge: There may be discharge from the eye such as tears or pus.

5. Changes in vision: Swelling of the eye can cause temporary or permanent changes in vision, such as blurring or poor focus.

6. Restriction of eye movement: In the case of infection or other diseases, swelling of the eye may be accompanied by restriction of eye movement or pain when moving the eyeball.

7. Enlargement or protrusion of the eye: In some cases, swelling of the eye can lead to an increase in size or protrusion of the eye, which is called exophthalmos.

8. General symptoms: Depending on the cause of the swelling of the eye, general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, general weakness or weight changes may be present.

What are the scenarios

The scenarios for eye swelling symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause of the swelling and associated conditions. Here are a few options:

1. Self-improvement: In the case of physiological causes such as fatigue, lack of sleep, or eating salty foods, swelling of the eye may improve on its own without special treatment. In the absence of other symptoms and chronic problems, swelling of the eye may resolve with adequate rest or lifestyle changes.

2. Treatment of the underlying disease: If the swelling of the eye is caused by pathological causes such as allergies, infections or other diseases, treatment will be directed to the underlying disease. For example, allergic conjunctivitis may require antihistamines, and infections may require antibiotics.

3. Medical procedures: In cases where swelling of the eye is caused by certain medical conditions, such as orbital cellulitis or thyroid disease, medical procedures or surgery may be required to treat the underlying condition.

4. Long-term treatment: In some cases, especially in chronic conditions, swelling of the eye may be prolonged or intermittent. This may require long-term treatment, supportive care, or lifestyle changes to control symptoms.

What diseases cause eye swelling

Eye swelling can be associated with various diseases or conditions. Some of the more common conditions that cause swelling of the eye include:

1. Allergic conjunctivitis: This is an inflammatory condition caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, food or other allergens. Swelling of the eye is one of the typical symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

2. Infectious conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Swelling of the eye can be one of the symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis.

3. Keratitis: Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. Swelling of the eye can be one of the symptoms of keratitis, which can be caused by infection, trauma, or other factors.

4. Orbital cellulitis: This is an infectious inflammatory disease that affects the tissues around the eye socket. Swelling of the eye is one of the typical symptoms of orbital cellulitis.

5. Thyroid disorders: Some thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can lead to swelling of the eye. This may manifest as bulging eyeballs or “bulging eyes”.

6. Ocular migraine: Some people with migraine may experience symptoms, including swelling of the eye, during or before a migraine attack.

7. Injury or damage to the eye: A blow, bruise, wound or other injury to the eye or around the eye can cause swelling of the eye.

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Olga Alekseevna Kulikova

Experience 10 years

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Cardiologist

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What Tests to Get

You may need to see a doctor to determine the cause of the swelling in your eye and prescribe the most effective treatment. The following are some tests and procedures that may be recommended for eye swelling:

1. Physical Exam: Your doctor will do an eye exam to assess the degree of swelling, check the visibility and function of the eye, and rule out other underlying problems.

2. Allergy Tests: If an allergic reaction is suspected, your doctor may order allergy tests to look for allergens that cause eye swelling.

3. CBC: A CBC can help identify inflammation or infection that may be associated with swelling of the eye.

4. Blood chemistry: A blood chemistry test can help evaluate kidney and liver function, which may be associated with eye swelling.

5. Immunological tests: If an immunological disease is suspected, the physician may recommend immunological tests to look for autoimmune antibodies or other immunological disorders.

6. Ocular Ultrasound: Ultrasound of the eye may be used to evaluate the structure and function of the eye and to detect the presence of tumors or other abnormalities.

7. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): If there is a suspicion of a tumor, infection, or other conditions in the eye area, the doctor may order a CT or MRI to show more detailed images of the orbital structures and surrounding tissues.

Treatments

Relief of eye swelling may depend on its cause. Here are some methods that can help relieve eye swelling:

1. Applying cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to closed eyes can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. You can use a cold eye patch, a lozenge towel, or an ice bag wrapped in a soft cloth. But remember not to apply ice directly to the skin to avoid frostbite.

2. Rest and Elevation of the Head: If the eyes are swollen, it may be helpful to rest and elevate the head to reduce the flow of fluid from the tissues of the eyes.

3. Eye Care: Proper eye care can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Use gentle cleansers, avoid rubbing or stretching the skin, and apply moisturizers regularly.

4. Trigger avoidance: If you are allergic or sensitive to certain substances, avoid contact with them to prevent an allergic reaction and swelling of the eyes.

5. Medications: In case of allergic eye swelling, antihistamines or eye ointments recommended by a physician may be helpful.

Where to see a doctor

In case of swelling of the eyes, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist (doctor who specializes in eye diseases). The ophthalmologist will examine the eye, identify the cause of the swelling, and determine the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, consultation with other specialists, such as an allergist, immunologist, or general practitioner, may be necessary, especially if the swelling of the eye is associated with allergic reactions or systemic diseases.

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Comments

Treatment of eyelid diseases and eye allergies

Eyelid allergies are quite common. The body reacts not only due to the presence of allergens in the air, such as dust particles, plant pollen, but also when using low-quality cosmetics. Allergens can also enter the body through food or medication.

A person develops redness of the eyes caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, possibly a rash on the skin around the eyes; edema; itching; tearing; filamentous mucous discharge.

The reaction of the body to plant pollen is very often manifested. Appears seasonally. Since pollen is spread by wind over a distance of up to 300 km, it is difficult to independently determine which plant an allergic reaction has occurred to. You need to contact a specialist.

At the first sign of an allergic reaction, redness of the eyes occurs, which develops into allergic conjunctivitis. If the disease is not treated, the patient’s contact with the source of allergy is not limited, then the situation worsens, swelling, lacrimation, photophobia, burning sensations, “sand” in the eyes appear.