How can you alleviate swollen eyes from allergies. What are the most effective treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. Is it possible to differentiate between pink eye and eye allergies. Can allergies lead to dry eyes.

Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis: Causes and Symptoms

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes react to allergens in the environment, causing inflammation of the conjunctiva – the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. This reaction can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including swollen eyes, itching, redness, and watery discharge.

What triggers allergic conjunctivitis? The most common culprits include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Certain cosmetics or eye drops

When these allergens come into contact with the eyes, they stimulate the release of histamine and other chemicals, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of eye allergies.

Effective Home Remedies for Swollen Eyes Caused by Allergies

While completely avoiding allergens can be challenging, there are several home remedies that can provide relief for swollen eyes caused by allergies:

1. Cold Compress: Place a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes, then apply it to your eyelids. This can help reduce itching and swelling.
2. Artificial Tears: Use preservative-free eye drops or artificial tears to moisten dry, irritated eyes and flush out allergens.
3. Hygiene Practices: Wash your hands and face regularly, especially after being outdoors on high pollen days. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
4. Saline Rinse: Gently rinse your eyes with a sterile saline solution to remove allergens and soothe irritation.
5. Tea Bags: Apply cooled, used tea bags to your eyes. The tannins in tea can help reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort.

These simple remedies can offer significant relief from the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications for Eye Allergies

When home remedies aren’t enough, various medications can help manage eye allergy symptoms:

Over-the-Counter Options:

• Oral Antihistamines: These can help relieve itchy eyes but may cause dryness as a side effect.
• Decongestant Eye Drops: These reduce eye redness but should not be used for more than three days to avoid rebound irritation.

Prescription Medications:

• Antihistamine Eye Drops: These can reduce eye swelling, itching, and redness associated with allergies.
• Mast Cell Stabilizers: Often combined with antihistamines, these drops prevent and relieve allergy symptoms.
• Corticosteroid Drops: For severe cases, these may be prescribed but should only be used under medical supervision.

How do you choose the right medication for your eye allergies? It’s essential to consult with an eye care professional or allergist. They can assess your symptoms, consider your medical history, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Distinguishing Between Pink Eye and Allergic Conjunctivitis

One common concern among those experiencing eye irritation is whether their symptoms are due to allergies or pink eye (infectious conjunctivitis). While both conditions can cause redness and discomfort, there are key differences:

Why is it crucial to differentiate between these conditions? The treatment approaches differ significantly. While allergic conjunctivitis may respond well to antihistamines and cold compresses, infectious conjunctivitis might require antibiotics for bacterial cases or antiviral medications for viral infections.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your eye symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

The Link Between Allergies and Dry Eye Syndrome

Can allergies cause dry eyes? While allergies themselves don’t directly cause dry eye syndrome, there’s a complex relationship between the two conditions:

• Allergy medications, particularly oral antihistamines, can contribute to dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production.
• The inflammation associated with allergic conjunctivitis can disrupt the normal functioning of tear-producing glands.
• Chronic eye rubbing due to allergy symptoms can damage the ocular surface, leading to dryness and irritation.

Dry eye syndrome, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This condition affects about one-third of older adults and is commonly found in people with eye allergies.

How can you tell if you have dry eye syndrome? Common symptoms include:

• A gritty or burning sensation in the eyes
• Blurred vision that improves with blinking
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Increased eye irritation in windy or dry environments
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If you experience these symptoms, especially if you have a history of allergies, it’s important to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies for Dry Eye Syndrome

Managing dry eye syndrome often requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some effective treatments and lifestyle modifications:

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricants

Over-the-counter artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. They come in various formulations:

• Liquid drops for mild to moderate dryness
• Gels for more persistent symptoms
• Ointments for severe dryness, especially useful at night

Preservative-free options are recommended for frequent use to avoid irritation from preservatives.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes in your daily routine can significantly improve dry eye symptoms:

• Blink regularly, especially during screen time
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Avoid direct air from fans, air conditioners, or heaters
• Take regular breaks from digital devices
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

3. Nutritional Support

Certain nutrients can help improve tear quality and production:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil or flaxseed oil)
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D

Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.

4. Prescription Medications

For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe:

• Cyclosporine eye drops to reduce inflammation and increase tear production
• Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution to decrease inflammation associated with dry eye
• Cholinergic agents to increase tear production

5. Advanced Treatments

In cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, more advanced options may be considered:

• Punctal plugs to block tear drainage and keep the eye surface moist
• Intense pulsed light therapy to stimulate tear production
• Meibomian gland expression to improve oil gland function

How do you determine the best treatment plan for your dry eye syndrome? It’s crucial to work closely with an eye care professional who can assess your specific symptoms, identify underlying causes, and tailor a treatment approach that addresses your unique needs.

Preventing Eye Allergies and Maintaining Ocular Health

While treating eye allergies and related conditions is important, prevention is equally crucial. Here are some strategies to minimize eye allergy symptoms and maintain overall ocular health:

1. Allergen Avoidance

• Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to reduce allergen exposure
• Wash bedding regularly in hot water to reduce dust mites

2. Personal Hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes
• Remove contact lenses before bed and clean them properly
• Avoid sharing towels or washcloths to prevent the spread of infections

3. Environmental Modifications

• Use hypoallergenic bedding and pillowcases
• Keep pets out of the bedroom if you’re allergic to pet dander
• Clean and vacuum regularly to reduce indoor allergens

4. Dietary Considerations

• Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support tear production
• Stay hydrated to maintain overall eye health
• Consider incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet

5. Regular Eye Exams

Schedule regular check-ups with an eye care professional to monitor your eye health and catch any potential issues early.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of eye allergy symptoms and maintain optimal ocular health.

When to Seek Professional Help for Eye Allergies

While many cases of eye allergies can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. Here are some signs that indicate you should consult an eye care specialist or allergist:

• Symptoms persist or worsen despite using over-the-counter treatments
• Vision changes, including blurriness or sensitivity to light
• Severe pain or discomfort in the eyes
• Thick, colored discharge from the eyes
• Symptoms interfere with daily activities or quality of life
• You have a history of severe allergic reactions
• You suspect you may have an eye infection

Why is professional evaluation important? An eye care specialist can:

1. Provide a definitive diagnosis, distinguishing between allergies, infections, and other eye conditions
2. Perform specialized tests to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms
3. Prescribe stronger medications if over-the-counter options are ineffective
4. Recommend advanced treatments such as immunotherapy for severe or chronic allergies
5. Assess your overall eye health and check for any underlying conditions

Remember, early intervention can prevent complications and ensure more effective management of eye allergies and related conditions. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re concerned about your eye health or if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life.

In conclusion, managing swollen eyes from allergies and related conditions like dry eye syndrome requires a comprehensive approach. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and implementing appropriate treatments and preventive measures, you can significantly improve your ocular comfort and overall quality of life. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

Eye Allergies – Allergic Conjunctivitis

What can you do for eye allergy treatment and relief?

The best thing to do is to totally avoid whatever eye allergens and irritants bother your eyes. However, this is hard since these triggers are airborne.

Here are some tips to keep your eyes clear, clean and comfortable:

• Use a preservative-free eye wash or artificial tears to moisten dry, irritated eyes and help wash out allergens and irritants.
• Put a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes and then apply it to your eyelids to reduce itching and swelling.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes. Wash your hands and face after being outside on high pollen and mold days.

What are some eye allergy medications?

First, talk with your doctor about developing an allergy treatment plan that addresses nasal, respiratory and eye symptoms.

Over-the-counter and prescription eyedrops and oral medications can also be used to treat eye allergies.

Over-the-counter
Oral antihistamines can help relieve itchy eyes, but they may also dry out the eyes. Decongestant eyedrops (with or without antihistamines) can help reduce eye redness associated with allergies, but they should not be used for more than three days or they may worsen irritation.

Prescription
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.

For severe eye allergies, you may be prescribed mild corticosteroid drops – these should only be used for conjunctivitis caused by allergy, not bacterial infections. Eye allergies cause clear, watery discharges while bacterial infections cause yellow or greenish secretions.

Is it pink eye or allergies?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between allergic conjunctivitis and pink eye, a conjunctivitis caused by a virus or bacteria. Eye allergy tends to clear secretions and itching, while bacterial infections causing pink eye usually involve yellow or greenish discharge. Most conjunctivitis is viral rather bacterial and resolves well after applying warm compresses. If only one eye is affected, take care to not touch or apply anything to the unaffected eye after touching the eye with the issue.

Never put corticosteroid drops into your eyes without having a comprehensive eye exam. It is very difficult to tell the difference between conjunctivitis caused by allergy or conjunctivitis caused by bacteria; corticosteroids can be dangerous with certain bacterial diseases. Eye allergy tends to cause clear secretions and itching, while bacterial infections usually involve yellow or greenish secretions.

If you suspect that you have eye allergies visit a healthcare professional. Preventing and treating eye symptoms may be part of your overall treatment plan.

Can allergies cause dry eyes?

If your eyes feel dry and irritated in the winter months when there are fewer outdoor allergens, then you may have a form of tear dysfunction known as dry eye, or “keratoconjunctivitis sicca. ” This is not an allergic reaction – it happens when your eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make go away very quickly.

Many people have dry eye, including about one-third of older adults. It’s commonly found in people with eye allergies as well. Symptoms are sometimes worse when it’s cold or windy outside, after you turn on the heat in your home, or if you’re in a dry environment. Some medications, including oral antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-depressants, can cause symptoms.

What is the treatment for dry eye?

Artificial tears – lubricant eye drops – are the main treatment for dry eye. They can keep the eye moist and reduce symptoms. You can buy artificial tears at a drug store or grocery store without a prescription. They come in liquid, gel or ointments. Preservative-free artificial tears are best for long-term use, but they are more expensive.

Other things you can do to help improve dry eye include:

• Try to blink a lot, especially when you are reading or using a computer. This helps keep your eyes moist.
• Avoid excess air conditioning or heating as much as you can. Also avoid sitting directly in the flow of cold or hot air.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom and any other space where you spend a lot of time.
• Use goggles or “moisture chambers” if your doctor or nurse suggests them. Moisture chambers are special devices that fit on your glasses. They can help keep your eyes moist. You can buy moisture chambers at most stores that sell glasses.

Additional treatments include prescription eye drops and anti-inflammatory medicines. If these are not successful, tear duct plugs or surgery that requires the assistance of an ophthalmologist may be recommended.

Many people with difficult-to-control dry eye struggle with wearing contact lenses and may need to stop using them for as long as symptoms persist.

6 Options for Treating Allergy Eyes

by The Eyecare Group | Apr 22, 2021 | Optical News

In our previous post, we explored the symptoms of seasonal allergies that affect the eyes—what we call allergic conjunctivitis. These include itchy, watery, swollen red and irritated eyes. If you’ve had them, you know how annoying and uncomfortable the condition can be.

Let’s explore 6 options for treating this seasonal condition:

1. Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops

There are a variety of over-the-counter allergy eye drops on the market that you can buy to find relief from red, swollen, or itchy allergy eyes. Many of these eye drops have antihistamines or block your body’s mast cells to help reduce your body’s allergic reaction. In addition, preservative-free artificial tear eye drops can help to soothe the discomfort of allergic conjunctivitis. Here’s a tip: For an added cooling effect on warm Spring days, store your eye drops in the refrigerator before use.

2. Prescription Eye Drops

Depending on your level of irritation, over-the-counter products may not provide sufficient relief from your symptoms. If that’s the case, discuss prescription eye drop options with your optometrist. While similar in function to many over-the-counter products, prescription eye drops are often more powerful and therefore more effective in providing relief. Prescription drops may include steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve your irritating symptoms.

3. Apply a Cold Compress

Changing the temperature of your eye area may give you relief from allergic conjunctivitis. Cooler temperatures will help to shrink blood vessels and reduce blood flow and swelling to relieve your discomfort. You can buy a ready-made cold compress to keep in your refrigerator. To make your own compress, fill a sealable plastic bag with ice cubes and wrap a thin towel around it, then apply to the eyes for 10 minutes. One of our most creative patients uses a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel and says it works great!

4. Oral Medications

The same oral antihistamines that relieve runny noses and sneezing may also minimize your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. You may need to start taking them up to a month before allergy season to maximize effectiveness. Allergy medications can have another effect, however: In some cases, antihistamines can result in symptoms of dry eye. Antihistamines can result in drowsiness.

In addition to the treatments recommended above, here are a few additional tips that might help minimize our allergic reaction this season:

5. Avoid allergens

Allergic to your neighbor’s cat or dog? Avoid petting him, and when you do come in contact with him, wash your hands thoroughly afterward. If pollen is your kryptonite, choose inside activities on high pollen days. If you do go outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from being exposed. When you come inside, change your clothes and wash your face or take a shower to minimize your pollen allergen exposure. Here’s why: tiny pollen particles attach themselves to your skin and hair. If you get in bed with pollen on your body, and it transfers to your pillow, you’ll constantly re-expose yourself all night long!

6. What about Contact Lenses?

Since allergens (including pollen) often stick to a contact lens’s surface, it’s a best practice to minimize exposure in the eyes. There are two options:

1. Try one-day or “daily” contact lenses. One-day contact lenses are a smart solution because you get that “fresh pair” feeling every day. While it’s challenging to remove pollen from the surface of a weekly or monthly contact lens, putting a fresh, new pair into your eyes each day assures you that there isn’t pollen or other allergens on them.
2. Take a brief contact lens vacation. If your eyes are severely affected by allergies, take a break from contact lenses. Wear your glasses for a few weeks until the pollen storm is over. When you wear that attractive new pair of face-framing prescription glasses that you found in our optical department, you may even be surprised how many compliments you get!

Don’t like your current glasses or need to update your prescription? Make an appointment to come in and see us! We have new styles arriving weekly for Spring. Our team will help you find a flattering, face-framing pair to see you through allergy season in style.

Many of the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are similar to those of an eye infection or other problems. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, call us to set up an appointment. When eyes are red, dry, irritated or watery, these symptoms can indicate a variety of other eye problems. Our professional staff will examine and evaluate your eyes and address your symptoms to make sure you’re seeing your best in every season.

Allergic reactions in the eyes | Théa

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 ocular allergic reactions?

Symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis are itching, sensation 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).

Symptoms of year-round conjunctivitis are often less pronounced 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 trigger 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 treatment and care

How can you relieve allergy symptoms in your eyes?

It is necessary to consult a physician for appropriate treatment. Allergy testing and testing by an allergist may be required. In some cases, the allergist will suggest desensitization, which will slowly reduce symptoms.

It is very important to determine the cause of the allergic reaction in order to further limit exposure to the allergen.

To remove the allergen from the surface of the eyes, it is recommended to carry out daily hygiene of the eyelids with specially designed eye products. Use teagel ^® sterile hypoallergenic eye and eyelash gel morning and evening. It is also convenient to use special wipes for cleansing the eyelids and the ciliary edge Blefaklin ^® .

In the case of conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis, in addition to daily eyelid hygiene, the doctor will recommend antiallergic treatment to help relieve symptoms.

To counter household allergens, avoid carpets, coarse wool, woolen blankets. Clean regularly and change bedding regularly. Every day, open doors and windows for 15 minutes to ventilate the premises. Control the optimal level of humidity in the room.

Which eye drops for irritation and redness to choose

Contents

Causes of redness and irritation of the eyes

Which drops to choose

Application rules

Prevention – how to prevent redness and irritation

Red eyes always add to the appearance of pain, inform about external and internal problems. This is a clear signal of overwork, pathology of the organs of vision or general malaise. Eye drops from redness and irritation help relieve unpleasant symptoms. How to choose them, how to apply them correctly, we describe in detail in the article.

Causes of redness and irritation of the eyes

What causes redness of the eyes? Doctors have compiled a list of ten major irritants:

1. Prolonged stay in offices with running air conditioners, heaters, and electronic devices causes the protective tear film to dry out, causing damage to the conjunctiva.
2. Allergic reaction – in the top causes of tearing and red eyes. Usually, allergies manifest themselves seasonally, especially clearly reminding of themselves during the flowering period.
3. Low-quality decorative cosmetics.
4. Long driving.
5. Some medications cause redness of the sclera. For example, we are talking about sleeping pills, antidepressants, drugs containing hormones.
6. Lack of a full night’s sleep.
7. Watching TV for a long time or working at a laptop monitor reduces blinking. Because of this, the tear fluid is not released in the right amount, itching and irritation of the eyes appear.
8. Chronic alcoholism and addiction to regular parties with alcoholic beverages: due to alcohol, the corneal vessels dilate, making the eyelids, face red.
9. Active, passive smoking, including hookah, spraying irritating aerosols.
10. Environmental factors: chlorinated water, urban smog, dust.

When redness is a symptom

Ophthalmic pathologies and infections stimulate inflammation and swelling of the protein coat. Here are some of them:

• Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin mucous membrane or conjunctiva. Signs of the disease include itching, pain, discharge from the eyes, redness of the sclera.
• Corneal ulcer is caused by bacterial infections and often occurs as a result of an eye injury. Itching, swelling, redness of the eyelids are added to increased photosensitivity, a decrease in visual acuity.
• Dry eye syndrome occurs due to insufficient production of tear fluid. The surface of the cornea becomes excessively dry, the person experiences permanent fatigue and discomfort in the eyelid area.

Only an ophthalmologist can determine the cause and effect of swollen red eyes. If necessary, diagnostic studies, tests, such as measuring the volume of tear fluid, are performed. With a strong pain syndrome, biomicroscopy and tonometry are performed.

As a medical support, eye drops are required to relieve redness and help moisturize the organs of vision.

Red eyes – what to do?

If the sign of tension appears intermittently, it is sufficient to apply inexpensive eye drops for eye irritation. Symptoms that remind of themselves for a long time require medical consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of identified diseases. It is the doctor who will answer the question of which drops can be used, at what dosage. With any diagnosis, ophthalmologists recommend using daily moisturizing drops for irritation and redness as a support for the organs of vision.

Which drops to choose

The choice of medicinal solutions for therapy with reddening of the eyes is based on the collected anamnesis. To focus on a particular remedy, the doctor:

• talking;
• examines the skin;
• checks the patient’s vision;
• examines the condition of the fundus, measures intraocular pressure;
• specifies hereditary factors, possible contraindications, talks about side effects.

Not all eye drops for redness are suitable for pregnant women and children, so buying the first product that comes across in a pharmacy is simply unwise. The best drops for redness of the eyes are those that suit you in all respects.

We systematize drugs based on the most common symptoms, which include reddened, swollen eyelids:

Classification of drops

All ophthalmic solutions, depending on the active substance, are classified into several drug groups.

• Antiviral, anti-inflammatory are prescribed for influenza, SARS, herpes virus, mechanical damage to the cornea. The main symptoms: photophobia, swollen lymph nodes, burning, swelling of the eyelids.
• Antibacterials are used for bacterial mucosal infections that present with purulent discharge along with pain.
• Moisturizing formulations are indicated for constant visual work, as well as while wearing contact optics.
• Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory solutions – for an allergic reaction. Swollen, reddened eyelids are complemented by increased tearing and itching in the area of ​​the nose.
• Hormonal ophthalmic solutions for irritation and itching are prescribed for severe cases of allergy.
• Vitamin compositions from red eyes increase local metabolism, accelerate regeneration, nourish.

Vasoconstrictors

Eye drops for redness of this type cause narrowing of the capillaries, relieve swelling and inflammation of the tissues of the eyelid.

Moisturizers

Increased dryness of the mucous membrane, visual fatigue, constant wearing of contact lenses – all this is a reason to daily drip ophthalmic solutions consisting of distilled water and hyaluronic acid into the eyes. Means with a similar composition create the thinnest film on the surface of the eyes, which protects against dust and dirt.

Antiviral, anti-inflammatory

Based on scraping from the surface of the mucous or skin of the eyelids, the doctor determines the presence of a viral infection, which requires special drugs that trigger the production of interferons. Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal and glucocorticosteroid drugs relieve swelling, eliminate itching, discomfort, redness caused by the underlying disease. Some of the medicines are only sold by prescription.

Antibacterial

Bacteria or parasites affecting the eyes require treatment directed at specific pathogens. Prescription antibiotics can be used to treat infections of this type.

Anti-allergic

Antihistamines do not eliminate the cause of pain or discomfort, but they are good at relieving the symptoms of an allergic reaction by blocking the production of histamine. Solutions eliminate puffiness, tearing, redness.

Vitamin

General tonic preparations to maintain visual health. You can take inexpensive products with vitamins in the composition only after talking with an ophthalmologist, since most medicines of this type have a cumulative effect, with prolonged use it can be harmful.

Prophylactic agents

In order to prevent the development of dry eye syndrome, as well as more severe pathologies of the visual system, it is recommended to instill moisturizing solutions during heavy stress. They will quickly remove muscle tone, creating a protective film by analogy with a natural tear.

Children’s drops for redness and irritation of the eyes

There are no special preparations for children’s eyes with redness. Children are usually prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin solutions. To relieve swelling, redness, itching in children from two years old, a drug for instillation is recommended – Sigida Crystal, produced at the Solopharm factory.

Drops overview

Ophthalmologists prescribe inexpensive drops with a moisturizing effect to gently restore the surface of the eyeball Gilan Comfort and Ultra Comfort from the St. Petersburg company Solopharm. Eye drops for redness are available in the form of convenient disposable dropper tubes that are easy to take with you.

Hyaluronic acid preparation does not contain preservatives, is safe for long-term use in dry eye syndrome and intense visual work. Gilan creates a thin film on the surface of the cornea that saves the mucosa from drying out and inflammatory reactions. Gilan quickly eliminates stress from prolonged driving, reading or working with electronic devices. The ophthalmic solution is compatible with all types of contact lenses and is approved for women during pregnancy.

Sigida crystal solution – effective eye drops for redness caused by allergens. The vasoconstrictive ophthalmic preparation contains naphazoline, is produced without preservatives, and is recommended by pediatricians for prescribing children from two years of age.

Vixipin is a prescription pain solution for inflammation and infections. The drug gently helps with corneal burns of varying degrees, hemorrhage, retinal thrombosis and other pathologies. Vixipin quickly relieves redness of the eyes and fights the disease that caused it.

If eyelid edema along with redness of the sclera is due to increased intraocular pressure in glaucoma, doctors prescribe Trilactan. The drug, produced at a factory in St. Petersburg, effectively relieves the feeling of fatigue, discomfort, and is recommended in the treatment of glaucoma.

Directions for use

1. Use only as directed by your physician.
2. If several different drops are prescribed, then a short break should be taken between instillations.
3. Observe expiration dates.
4. Wash hands with soap and water before instillation.
5. Warm the pack in your hands or in a glass of warm water to room temperature.
6. Tilt the head back and use the index finger of one hand to pull the lower eyelid down
7. Instill 1-2 drops of solution into each conjunctival sac.
8. After the procedure, you can close your eyes or blink so that the agent is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the mucosa.
9. Store solutions refrigerated or as directed.

Modern ophthalmic products, including Hylan Moisturizing Solution with Hyaluronic Acid, are available in convenient dropper tubes or in single doses. The advantage of this form of release:

• The dose contained in the dropper tube is sufficient for one instillation procedure.
• No need to worry about storing open packages.

Contraindications, side effects

The active ingredient in the eye drops for redness of the eyes directly determines the list of possible contraindications. For most prescription drug formulations, these are:

• specific diseases such as asthma or heart failure;
• sensitivity to certain components of the drug;
• recovery stage after operations on the organs of vision;
• pregnancy, lactation;
• children’s age.

Moisturizing drops from red sclera, for example, Gilan with hyaluronic acid, has virtually no contraindications and is acceptable for women during pregnancy, as well as after surgery.

When you can choose the drops yourself

If there is no suspicion of a serious pathology, and discomfort only occasionally bothers you, you can use the usual drops for redness from the group of moisturizing preparations that mimic natural tears. Usually such medicines are dispensed without a prescription, and the affordable price does not become an obstacle to purchase. If an alarming symptom does not go away for a long time, this is a reason to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the higher the likelihood of avoiding serious consequences and maintaining vision.

Prevention – how to prevent redness and irritation

Ophthalmologists have prepared a list of recommendations for maintaining visual health:

• After every hour of intense exercise, you should give your eyes a five-minute rest. To do this, just go out and walk down the street or cover your eyelids, and then twist your eyeballs.
• So that the mucous membrane is not injured from excessive dryness, it is necessary to ventilate and wet cleaning more often in the premises at work and in the apartment.
• Frequent blinking helps relieve eye muscle tone. This process triggers the production of natural tears, thereby providing moisture to the eyes.
• Gymnastics for the organs of vision allows you to relieve irritation and discomfort through special exercises.
• Walking in the fresh air, good sleep, a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking are obvious but important recommendations.