What are the causes of eye swelling due to allergies? How can you treat and prevent allergic conjunctivitis? Get answers to these and other key questions about eye allergies.

Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis: Definition and Causes

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye condition where the conjunctiva, the clear tissue lining the eyelid and eyeball, becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction. This occurs when the eyes are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. The body’s immune system responds by releasing chemicals like histamines, leading to the characteristic symptoms of eye allergies.

Irritants like dirt, smoke, chemicals, and chlorine can also cause eye swelling and redness, but these reactions are not true allergic responses. Viruses and bacteria can also lead to similar eye irritation, known as infectious conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” However, this condition is easily transmissible from person to person, unlike allergic conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis

The main signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Redness of the eyes
• Itchiness
• Burning sensation
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Feeling like there is dirt or grit in the eyes

Many people with eye allergies also experience additional symptoms like a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sinus headaches. Some may even notice temporary blurred vision or feel distracted, unproductive, and fatigued.

Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis

There are two main types of allergic conjunctivitis:

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC)

SAC is triggered by outdoor allergens like pollen from grasses and ragweed, which typically cause eye allergy symptoms to flare up seasonally.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC)

PAC is caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and feathers, and can lead to year-round eye allergy symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Allergic Conjunctivitis

To diagnose allergic conjunctivitis, your healthcare provider will examine your eyes and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform allergy testing to identify the specific triggers.

The primary treatment approach is to avoid contact with the allergens that cause your eye allergy symptoms. However, when this is not enough, there are several options that can provide relief:

Saline Eye Drops

Saline eye drops can help wash away allergens and soothe irritated eyes.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines can help reduce inflammation and itchiness.

Prescription Treatments

For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications like prescription-strength antihistamine eye drops, mast cell stabilizers, or corticosteroid eye drops.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, can desensitize the immune system to specific allergens over time, providing long-term relief for some people with eye allergies.

Preventing Allergic Conjunctivitis

In addition to avoiding triggers, there are several strategies that can help prevent or minimize eye allergy symptoms:

• Wash hands frequently to remove allergens
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter
• Wash bedding in hot water and use allergen-proof covers
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce dander exposure
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning during high pollen or mold seasons

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most cases of allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with self-care and over-the-counter treatments. However, you should consult your healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms are severe or persistent
• You suspect an eye infection (pink eye)
• Your vision becomes significantly affected
• You have not found effective relief with self-care measures

Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis, prescribe more potent treatments if needed, and rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your eye allergy symptoms.

Conclusion

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common and often frustrating eye condition, but with proper identification of triggers, preventive measures, and effective treatment, it is possible to find relief and manage eye allergy symptoms effectively. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can develop a comprehensive plan to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable, even during peak allergy seasons.

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.

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Eye Allergies | Eye Allergy Treatment and Relief Center

Eye Allergies Treatment

Eye allergies are among the most common and most annoying allergies out there. Also known as “ocular allergies” or conjunctivitis typically affect the conjunctiva, the clear layer of skin overlying the eyes. Allergic reactions that affect the conjunctiva are called “allergic conjunctivitis” and are divided into two major common types: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). Each of these types of eye allergies has nearly identical symptoms, but differs in that SAC eye allergies occur seasonally, while PAC eye allergies can last year-round.

For someone with an allergy, eyes can become:

• watery
• itchy
• red sore and swollen
• can sting when an allergen shows up

An eye allergy patient may also experience blurred vision or “sticky eyes” (a mucus buildup in the eyes and in the corners of the eyelids). For SAC eye allergies, grass and ragweed pollens are the most common culprits. PAC eye allergies typically are triggered by indoor allergens including dust mites, molds, feathers and animal dander, particularly for patients who own indoor pets.

Other substances like perfume, cigarette smoke and gasoline engine exhaust, while not allergens, can act as irritants that make your eye allergy responses worse. If you have a chronic eye allergy, you may want to check into the ingredients of cosmetics, eye creams or eye drops that you use regularly, as these can contain allergens.

For eye allergy relief, Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida can prescribe or recommend multiple eye allergy treatments including oral antihistamines, decongestants, antihistamine and decongestant/antihistamine-combination eye drops available over-the-counter or by prescription; and allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots). Medications and eye drops are often effective in relieving eye allergy symptoms but only allergen immunotherapy has yet been proven to address underlying issues, potentially curing a patient’s eye allergy.

The near constant itching and watering of the eyes caused by the triggering of an eye allergy can be disruptive to a sufferer’s day-to-day life. Luckily, most pose no long term risks to your eyes or eyesight. However, a few rare conditions associated with eczema (also known as “atopic dermatitis”) and other diseases can cause inflammation that potentially can damage your eyesight.

If you suffer from eye allergies, Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida offers you eye allergy relief. Contact us via our online email form or call for an appointment at one of our four convenient Jacksonville area locations. We have offices on St. John’s Bluff Blvd., the Westside, in Mandarin and in Orange Park.

Eye Allergies Treatment & Diagnosis FAQs

What is the most common cause of eye allergies?Expand

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are caused by an immune system reaction to substances that come into contact with the eye. The most common cause of eye allergies is exposure to allergens, which are substances that can trigger an allergic reaction. Some common allergens that can cause eye allergies include pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and certain medications. When the eye comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system releases histamine and other chemicals, which can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and tearing. These symptoms are a result of inflammation in the eye and surrounding tissues.

What are the common symptoms of eye allergies?Expand

Itching: This is often the most bothersome symptom and can be severe.

Redness: The whites of the eyes (sclera) may become reddened or bloodshot.

Swelling: The eyelids may become swollen, especially in the morning.

Tearing: Excess tearing may occur.

Discharge: A watery or mucus-like discharge may be present, especially upon waking.

Burning: A burning sensation may be present.

Light sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to light than usual.

Blurred vision: Allergies can cause temporary blurred vision.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as an infection or a foreign object in the eye.  

How long does an eye allergy last?Expand

The duration of an eye allergy can vary. In some cases, eye allergy reactions may last less than an hour or they may last days, while in others they may last for several weeks or longer especially during a high-pollen season. The length of time that an eye allergy lasts depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the allergy, as well as the person’s individual immune system response.

If you have an eye allergy, it’s important to avoid the allergens that are causing your symptoms as much as possible. This can help to reduce the duration of the allergy and prevent it from coming back. It’s also important to follow the treatment plan recommended by your allergies, which may include over-the-counter or prescription medications. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

Can eye allergies cause “eye floaters” or “flashes”?Expand

Eye allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, but floaters and flashes are generally not among them.

Floaters are small, dark specks or strings that appear to float in your field of vision. They are caused by tiny bits of debris or clumps of cells that are suspended in the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye (vitreous). Flashes, on the other hand, are brief flashes of light that may be seen in the corner of your eye or across your visual field. They are caused by the movement of the vitreous inside the eye.

What are some natural remedies for eye allergies?Expand

These remedies are generally considered to be safe and may be used in addition to over-the-counter or prescription medications recommended by an eye doctor. Some natural remedies for eye allergies include:

1. Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the affected eye can help to reduce swelling and alleviate itching.
2. Saline drops and rinses: Rinsing the eyes with a saline solution can help to flush out allergens and reduce inflammation.

It’s important to note that these remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be used in place of prescription medications recommended by an allergy specialist.

When is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis the worst in Florida?Expand

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, is a type of eye allergy that is triggered by allergens such as pollen. In Florida, the peak seasons for pollen allergies can vary depending on the specific type of pollen and the region of the state.

In general, pollen allergies tend to be worst in the spring, when plants are pollinating. In Florida, common allergens during these seasons include tree pollen from oak, pine, and cypress trees, as well as grass pollen from Bermuda grass and Bahia grass. Allergies to mold spores can also be a problem in Florida, particularly during the warm, humid late summer and fall months.

If you have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and are planning to visit Florida, it’s a good idea to check the local pollen counts and weather forecast before your trip. This can help you to be prepared and take steps to minimize your exposure to allergens.

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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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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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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.