Eye

Itchy eye remedy allergies. Effective Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes: Natural Solutions for Relief

What are the most effective home remedies for itchy eyes. How can you relieve eye itching naturally. Which ingredients help soothe irritated eyes. When should you see a doctor for itchy eyes.

Common Causes of Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes can be an uncomfortable and irritating condition that many people experience. While rarely a serious health concern, itchy eyes can significantly impact daily life and comfort. Understanding the root causes is crucial for effective treatment.

The most common causes of itchy eyes include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies or hay fever)
  • Eye infections (like conjunctivitis)
  • Improper contact lens fit or materials
  • Foreign objects in the eye
  • Atopic dermatitis or eczema

Identifying the underlying cause can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach. In many cases, simple home remedies can provide significant relief.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops for Itch Relief

One of the most effective and readily available remedies for itchy eyes is over-the-counter eye drops. These drops are specifically formulated to address various eye-related issues, including itching, dryness, and allergies.

Types of Eye Drops

  • Allergy relief drops
  • Artificial tears for dryness
  • Redness-reducing drops
  • Multi-purpose drops (addressing multiple symptoms)

When selecting eye drops, opt for preservative-free formulations whenever possible. These are gentler on the eyes and suitable for frequent use. How do preservative-free eye drops differ from regular ones. Preservative-free drops contain no added chemicals to extend shelf life, reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive eyes.

Cold Compress: A Simple Yet Effective Solution

A cold compress is a time-tested remedy that can provide quick relief for itchy eyes. This method is easy to implement at home and can be repeated as often as needed.

How to Apply a Cold Compress

  1. Take a clean cloth or towel
  2. Soak it in cold water
  3. Gently wring out excess water
  4. Apply the compress to closed eyes
  5. Leave on for 5-10 minutes
  6. Repeat as necessary

Why does a cold compress work for itchy eyes. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and soothing irritation. It also provides a numbing effect, alleviating the itching sensation.

Natural Herbal Remedies for Eye Itching

Several herbs have been traditionally used to alleviate eye discomfort, including itching. These natural remedies can be a gentle alternative or complement to over-the-counter treatments.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea bags can be used as a soothing eye compress. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce itching and irritation. How to use chamomile for itchy eyes. Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water, allow it to cool, then place the cooled tea bag over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes.

Eyebright

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an herb traditionally used for various eye conditions. It may help alleviate itching and inflammation when used as an eyewash or compress.

Aloe Vera

Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera gel can be applied around the eyes (but not directly in them) to reduce itching and inflammation. Always use pure, organic aloe vera to avoid potential irritants.

Dietary Changes to Reduce Eye Itching

What you eat can impact eye health and potentially reduce itching. Incorporating certain nutrients into your diet may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall eye comfort.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the eyes. How do omega-3s benefit eye health. These essential fatty acids support the eye’s oil glands, helping maintain a healthy tear film and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, C, and E, can support eye health and potentially reduce allergy-related itching. Include foods like:

  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Citrus fruits
  • Berries
  • Nuts and seeds

Lifestyle Adjustments for Itchy Eye Relief

Simple changes in your daily habits can significantly impact eye comfort and reduce itching.

Proper Hygiene

Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial for preventing and managing itchy eyes. This includes:

  • Washing hands frequently
  • Avoiding touching or rubbing eyes
  • Cleaning eyelids gently with mild soap and warm water
  • Replacing eye makeup regularly

Environmental Modifications

Adjusting your environment can help reduce exposure to allergens and irritants that cause eye itching.

  • Use air purifiers to remove airborne allergens
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen days
  • Use hypoallergenic bedding
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke

Screen Time Management

Excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain and dryness, potentially exacerbating itching. Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages blinking, which lubricates the eyes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Itchy Eyes

While most cases of itchy eyes can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. It’s important to recognize these signs to prevent potential complications.

Red Flags

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Severe eye pain
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Discharge from the eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swelling around the eye
  • Persistent itching that doesn’t respond to home remedies

Why is it crucial to see a doctor for these symptoms. These signs may indicate a more serious condition, such as an eye infection or corneal damage, which requires prompt medical treatment to prevent vision loss or other complications.

Chronic Itchy Eyes

If you experience persistent or recurrent itchy eyes, it’s advisable to consult an eye care professional. They can identify underlying causes and provide targeted treatment options. Chronic itchy eyes may be a sign of conditions like:

  • Chronic dry eye syndrome
  • Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
  • Ocular allergies
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction

Prevention Strategies for Itchy Eyes

Preventing itchy eyes is often easier and more effective than treating them. Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of eye itching episodes.

Allergen Avoidance

For those with allergic eye conditions, minimizing exposure to allergens is key. How can you reduce allergen exposure in your daily life?

  • Check local pollen forecasts and plan outdoor activities accordingly
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to protect eyes from airborne allergens
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors during high pollen seasons
  • Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses
  • Regularly clean and vacuum your home, focusing on areas where allergens accumulate

Proper Contact Lens Care

For contact lens wearers, proper lens hygiene and care are crucial in preventing eye irritation and itching. Follow these guidelines:

  • Clean and disinfect lenses as directed by your eye care professional
  • Replace lenses and lens cases as recommended
  • Never sleep in contact lenses unless specifically approved by your doctor
  • Consider switching to daily disposable lenses to reduce the risk of buildup and contamination

Hydration and Eye Health

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for overall eye health and can help prevent dryness and itching. Why is hydration important for eye comfort? Adequate fluid intake helps maintain the balance of tears and keeps the eyes lubricated, reducing the likelihood of irritation and itching.

Tips for maintaining eye hydration:

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Use a humidifier in dry environments
  • Take regular breaks from screen time to blink and rest your eyes
  • Consider omega-3 supplements to support tear production (consult with a healthcare provider first)

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate various health conditions, including eye discomfort. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can indirectly help manage itchy eyes. Try incorporating these practices into your routine:

  • Regular exercise
  • Meditation or mindfulness practices
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Adequate sleep
  • Time management and prioritization

Advanced Treatment Options for Persistent Itchy Eyes

When home remedies and over-the-counter treatments prove insufficient, more advanced options may be necessary. These treatments are typically prescribed or administered by eye care professionals.

Prescription Medications

Various prescription medications can effectively treat chronic or severe itchy eyes. These may include:

  • Antihistamine eye drops
  • Mast cell stabilizer eye drops
  • Corticosteroid eye drops (for short-term use)
  • Immunomodulator eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine)

How do these medications differ from over-the-counter options? Prescription medications often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or utilize different mechanisms of action to provide more potent and targeted relief for specific eye conditions.

Allergy Immunotherapy

For individuals with severe allergic eye conditions, allergy immunotherapy may be recommended. This treatment involves gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of an allergen to build tolerance over time. Immunotherapy can be administered through:

  • Subcutaneous injections (allergy shots)
  • Sublingual tablets or drops

In-Office Procedures

Some eye care professionals offer in-office procedures to address underlying causes of chronic eye itching. These may include:

  • Meibomian gland expression for meibomian gland dysfunction
  • LipiFlow treatment for evaporative dry eye
  • Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for ocular rosacea

These procedures aim to improve the function of tear-producing glands and reduce inflammation, potentially alleviating chronic eye itching and discomfort.

In conclusion, while itchy eyes can be a bothersome condition, numerous home remedies and treatment options are available to provide relief. From simple cold compresses and over-the-counter eye drops to advanced medical treatments, the key is identifying the underlying cause and selecting the most appropriate approach. By implementing preventive measures and seeking professional care when necessary, individuals can effectively manage eye itching and maintain optimal eye health and comfort.

Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes: Remedies That Really Work

Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes: Remedies That Really Work

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Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. D. — By Adrian White — Updated on July 3, 2019

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Are there home remedies for itchy eyes?

Having itchy eyes can be uncomfortable. Luckily, getting itchy eyes is rarely ever a serious health concern.

The most likely things to cause it are:

  • dry eyes
  • allergic rhinitis (such as seasonal allergies or hay fever)
  • eye infection (such as various types of conjunctivitis)
  • improper contact lens fit or material
  • getting something stuck in your eye
  • atopic dermatitis or eczema

In these cases, itchy eyes are fairly safe and easy to treat at home.

Here are two reliable home remedies that you can use to treat itchy eyes.

Always make sure to see a doctor if symptoms become severe enough to affect your day-to-day life.

Eye drops

Over-the-counter eye drops for itch relief are always helpful.

Some are designed for allergies and redness, while others work like artificial tears for dryness. The best types are preservative free. Some help all these conditions in addition to itching.

Buy eye drops now.

Cold compress

You can also try a cold compress.

A cold-water compress can relive the itch and have a soothing effect on your eyes. Simply take a clean cloth, soak it in cold water, and apply to closed itchy eyes, repeating as often as needed.

Most cases of itchy eyes don’t last very long, and they might even go away on their own.

To be safe, see a doctor if:

  • you feel there is something lodged in your eye
  • an eye infection develops
  • your vision starts to get worse
  • your itchy eyes turn into moderate to severe eye pain

If you experience any of the above, discontinue home treatments immediately and visit your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on April 17, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816466/
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    doi.org/10.1007/s00403-010-1103-y
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    10.4103/0973-7847.79105
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    dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-6121.1000143
  • Tirant M, et al. (2018). Integrative dermatology – The use of herbals and nutritional supplements to treat dermatological conditions. DOI:
    10.3889/oamjms.2018.041

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Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — By Adrian White — Updated on July 3, 2019

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Natural and Home Treatment Options

Sore Eye Remedies: Natural and Home Treatment Options

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Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on March 8, 2019

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Sore eyes

Sore eyes aren’t uncommon. Typical irritants that often cause mild soreness in the eyes include:

  • overexposure to electronic screens
  • exposure to sun
  • exposure to airborne irritants
  • excessive rubbing
  • contact lenses
  • swimming in chlorinated water
  • cigarette smoke

Severely sore eyes

If your eyes severely sore or painful, it might be a sign of a more serious condition, such as:

  • dry eyes
  • allergies
  • dehydration
  • conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • blepharitis
  • iritis
  • scleritis
  • keratitis
  • uveitis
  • optic neuritis
  • blocked tear duct
  • chalazion
  • corneal abrasion
  • foreign object in eye
  • glaucoma

Don’t take chances with your eyes and ignore symptoms. Visit your eye doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment started.

There are a number of simple home remedies for sore eyes. Here are a few of them:

Cold compress

Place a cold washcloth over your closed eyes two to three times a day for five minutes at a time to manage pain and swelling.

Castor oil

Eye drops containing castor oil may help reduce eye irritation. Place one drop in each eye before going to bed, and then do it again in the morning. Try Refresh Optive Advanced eye drops.

Aloe vera

Because of aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, some natural healers recommend using it to alleviate sore eyes.

Mix 1 teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel into 2 tablespoons of cold water, and then soak cotton rounds in the mixture. Place the soaked cotton rounds on your closed eyes for 10 minutes. Do this twice a day.

When experiencing eye pain, make an appointment with your doctor if:

  • You’ve recently had eye surgery.
  • You’ve recently had an eye injection.
  • You’ve had eye surgery in the past.
  • You wear contact lenses.
  • You have a weakened immune system.
  • You’ve been taking eye medication for two or three days and the pain hasn’t improved.

Some symptoms need immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical help if:

  • Your pain was caused by a foreign object hitting or been lodged in your eye.
  • Your pain was caused by a chemical being splashed in your eye.
  • Your eye pain is accompanied by fever, headache, or unusual light sensitivity.
  • You have a sudden vision change.
  • You start seeing halos around lights.
  • Your eye is swelling, or there’s swelling around your eye.
  • You’re unable to keep your eye open.
  • You’re having trouble moving your eye.
  • You have blood or pus coming from your eye(s).

To avoid certain types of eye soreness, there are a number of actions you can take. Here are some you can start today:

  • Try not to touch or rub your eyes.
  • Wear sunglasses when outside.
  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
  • Get sufficient sleep to rest your body and eyes.
  • Every 20 minutes, take your eyes off your computer screen or TV to focus for 20 seconds on an object in the distance.

The eye is a delicate and complex organ. If your eyes are sore and you’re concerned, see your eye doctor for a diagnosis. They can help you find relief from sore eyes and help you prevent it from happening again.

Last medically reviewed on August 14, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Fiore DC, et al. (2010). Pain in the quiet (not red) eye.
    aafp.org/afp/2010/0701/p69.html
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Dry eyes.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
  • Rahmani AH, et al. (2015). Aloe vera: Potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities. DOI:
    10.4103/2F0973-7847.162118

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Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on March 8, 2019

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Allergy eye drops – medicine for the eyes. Portal vseozrenii – all about eye drops and tablets.

Article updated – 12/28/2019

Eye allergy can manifest itself in a wide variety of forms.

Contents

  • Eye allergies
  • Vasoconstrictor drops
  • Antihistamine eye drops
  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops for allergies
  • Mast cell stabilizers 900 10
  • Tear substitutes
  • Rules for instilling eye drops

1/7

Types of eye allergies

Eye allergies most often occur in the form of allergic dermatitis and conjunctivitis th various forms. The most common are allergic dermatitis and conjunctivitis.

However, the development of an allergic reaction can affect all the membranes of the eye and in severe cases cause damage to the internal structures of the eye (keratitis, uveitis, swelling of the optic nerve, etc.)

Allergy eye drops are liquid medicines used to treat local (eye) allergy symptoms.

2/7

Vasoconstrictor drops

Prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops can cause a “withdrawal effect”

These allergy eye drops reduce redness and swelling of the conjunctiva by constricting the vessels of the conjunctiva.

Do not use these eye drops for more than two or three days for allergies. Long-term use of them can create a “withdrawal effect” – a sharp return of all allergy symptoms after the withdrawal of eye drops.

Eye drops included in this group: “Vizin”, “Octilia”, “Ocumetil”.

3/7

Antihistamine eye drops

These eye drops block the accumulation of histamine, which is one of the main components of allergies in the body. They are an effective remedy for itching and swelling.

Antihistamine eye drops are generally recommended as the first treatment for eye allergies

This group includes the following allergy eye drops: allergodil, opatanol, spersallerg, lecrolin.

4/7

Anti-inflammatory eye drops for allergies

Corticosteroid eye drops are sometimes prescribed to relieve acute symptoms of eye allergies

Anti-inflammatory eye drops can be divided into two groups:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce swelling, inflammation, and other allergy symptoms. However, it must be remembered that non-steroidal eye drops can only be used as directed (and under the supervision) of an ophthalmologist.

Corticosteroids.

Corticosteroid eye drops are sometimes prescribed to relieve acute eye allergy symptoms. But due to the development of side effects with long-term use, these eye drops are usually prescribed only for a short time. Eye drops of this group: dexamethasone, prenacid, maxidex.

Both non-steroidal and corticosteroid (also called glucocorticosteroid) drugs have a very large side effect.

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Mast cell stabilizers

Drugs in this group do not start to act immediately, they have a cumulative effect

These drugs cause changes in mast cells (the main cells in allergies), from which histamine is released (one of the main components in allergies).

Medicines of this group do not begin to act immediately – they have a cumulative effect. Therefore, these anti-allergic drugs are started to be used before the allergy season, to reduce the manifestation of allergy symptoms.

This group includes allergy eye drops such as lecrolin, kromhexal, alomid.⁠

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Tears substitutes

needed

Tear substitutes moisturize eyes that become dry, red and irritated when allergic. These eye drops should be refrigerated for extra soothing effect.

Tear substitutes are safe eye drops and can be used for allergies as often as needed.

Tear substitutes include “Artificial tear”, “Natural tear”, “Systane”, “Vidisic”.

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Instructions for instilling eye drops

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before instillation
  • Check dropper tip for chips or cracks
  • Not touch the dropper tip with your hands
  • Tilt your head back slightly and use your index finger pull the lower eyelid forward with the finger of one hand
  • With the other hand, hold the pipette (dropper) with the tip down, bring it to the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to the eye
  • Instill the drops, look upwards, and drop into the pocket of the lower eyelid
  • Close the eye drops with a cap. Do not rub or rinse the tip of the eye drops
  • Wash your hands to remove medication from your fingers.

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Allergic reactions in the eyes | Thea

Allergy is the body’s response to contact with an allergen. In fact, this is an increased reaction of the immune system to any substance foreign to the body. The eye (eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea) is in direct contact with the environment and is therefore the most susceptible to allergic reactions. So, about 40-60% of people suffering from allergic diseases also have symptoms in the eye area, causing them serious inconvenience. In this section, you will find information on how allergic eye reactions manifest themselves, what are their main causes, and how to treat and hygienic.

Definition

The main forms of allergic reactions in the eyes are…

Allergic conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an immune response to contact with an allergen. An allergic reaction affects the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the eyeball (the “white” of the eye).

There are several types of allergic conjunctivitis. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is caused by a hypersensitivity to pollen. With this type, allergic reactions develop in spring and early summer. The rest of the year, allergy symptoms do not appear.

Perennial allergic conjunctivitis mainly affects adults. It lasts throughout the year and has nothing to do with seasonal changes. The development of this type of conjunctivitis is associated with the constant presence of an allergen.

This type of environmental reaction can also cause atopic conjunctivitis, which usually presents with the general symptoms of atopy, as in the case of eczema or asthma.

Keratitis

Keratoconjunctivitis is also a type of allergic reaction on the part of the organ of vision. While rare, it still causes more severe eye damage.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a serious form of conjunctivitis in children. It mainly affects boys from the age of 4 years to puberty.

In every second case this condition is associated with another type of allergic reactions from the eyes, three out of ten patients have a history of atopic disease. This is a hypersensitivity reaction to exposure to environmental factors, but a genetic predisposition is also possible.

Allergic reactions on the eyelids

Allergic reactions can occur on the eyelids, most often in the form of eczema, but many factors are often involved. For example, in the case of chronic blepharitis (blepharitis = inflammation of the eyelids) in adults, allergies play a leading role.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of eye allergic reactions?

Symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis are itching, feeling of a foreign body in the eye (“sand” in the eyes), swollen eyelids. Often there is redness of the eyes. These symptoms are often accompanied by manifestations from other organs (rhinitis and other respiratory symptoms).

The symptoms of year-round conjunctivitis are often less severe but last throughout the year.

Infectious diseases of the cornea of ​​the eye are characterized by watery eyes, pain (sometimes severe) in the eyes, and intolerance to light (photophobia).

Causes

What factors provoke allergies?

Seasonal and chronic allergens should be distinguished. They have different effects on the body and should be treated separately.

The most common cause of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is plant pollen. An estimated 10 to 40% of the world’s population is allergic to pollen in the spring, and this number has been steadily increasing over the past thirty years. In particular, the pollen of anemophilous plants has a pronounced allergenicity. It is a very light pollen that is produced by plants in significant quantities, carried by the wind and dispersed everywhere. Anemophiles are herbaceous plants, which form an important botanical group. For example, these are forage grasses in gardens, on roadsides, cereals and cereals in agricultural fields. The pollen of some trees is also highly allergenic (birch, cypress, oak).

Other allergens, called “household” allergens, lead to the development of chronic forms of allergic reactions in the eyes. Household allergens include dust mites, house dust, particles of the epidermis, and mold. These allergens are constantly present in the home, so the symptoms persist all the time.

Air pollution (ozone, smoke with a lot of chemicals) can also contribute to the development of allergic reactions, including irritating the mucous membranes of the eyes.

A patient’s history of allergic disease and atopic symptoms may explain the occurrence of some eye diseases, as well as reactions to cosmetic ingredients and contact lenses.

It should be noted that people with food allergies, such as seafood allergies, or allergic reactions to stings or injections (allergy to bee stings or allergic reactions to penicillin) do not experience immediate eye allergy symptoms.

Eye care and treatment

How can I relieve allergy symptoms in my eyes?

It is necessary to consult a physician for appropriate treatment. Allergy testing and testing by an allergist may be required.