Allergic conjunctivitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes swollen or inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.

When your eyes are exposed to allergy-causing substances, a substance called histamine is released by your body. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen. The eyes can become red, itchy, and teary very quickly.

The pollens that cause symptoms vary from person to person and from area to area. Tiny, hard-to-see pollens that may cause allergic symptoms include grasses, ragweed and trees. These same pollens may also cause hay fever.

Your symptoms may be worse when there is more pollen in the air. Higher levels of pollen are more likely on hot, dry, windy days. On cool, damp, rainy days most pollen is washed to the ground.

Mold, animal dander, or dust mites may cause this problem also.

Allergies tend to run in families. It is hard to know exactly how many people have allergies. Many conditions are often lumped under the term “allergy” even when they might not truly be an allergy.

Symptoms may be seasonal and can include:

• Intense itching or burning eyes
• Puffy eyelids, most often in the morning
• Red eyes
• Stringy eye discharge
• Tearing (watery eyes)
• Widened blood vessels in the clear tissue covering the white of the eye

Your health care provider may look for the following:

• Small, raised bumps on the inside of the eyelids (papillary conjunctivitis)
• Positive skin test for suspected allergens on allergy tests

Allergy testing may reveal the pollen or other substances that trigger your symptoms.

• Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing.
• Skin testing is more likely to be done if symptoms do not respond to treatment.

The best treatment is to avoid what causes your allergy symptoms as much as possible. Common triggers to avoid include dust, mold and pollen.

Some things you can do to ease symptoms are:

• Use lubricating eye drops.
• Apply cool compresses to the eyes.
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Take over-the-counter oral antihistamines or antihistamine or decongestant eye drops. These medicines can offer more relief, but they can sometimes make your eyes dry. (Do not use the eye drops if you have contact lenses in place. Also, do not use the eye drops for more than 5 days, as rebound congestion can occur).

If home-care does not help, you may need to see a provider for treatments such as eye drops that contain antihistamines or eye drops that reduce swelling.

Mild eye steroid drops can be prescribed for more severe reactions. You may also use eye drops that prevent a type of white blood cell called mast cells from causing swelling. These drops are given along with antihistamines. These medicines work best if you take them before you come in contact with the allergen. Referral to an ophthalmologist before using steroid eye drops should be done since intraocular pressure measurements and a more thorough eye exam (using a slit lamp) is needed.

Symptoms often go away with treatment. However, they can persist if you continue to be exposed to the allergen.

Long-term swelling of the outer lining of the eyes may occur in those with chronic allergies or asthma. It is called vernal conjunctivitis. It is most common in young males, and most often occurs during the spring and summer.

There are no serious complications.

Contact your provider if:

• You have symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis that do not respond to self-care steps and over-the-counter treatment.
• Your vision is affected.
• You develop eye pain that is severe or becoming worse.
• Your eyelids or the skin around your eyes becomes swollen or red.
• You have a headache in addition to your other symptoms.

Conjunctivitis – allergic seasonal/perennial; Atopic keratoconjunctivitis; Pink eye – allergic

• Eye
• Allergy symptoms
• Conjunctivitis

Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 395.

Rubenstein JB, Patel P. Allergic conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.7.

Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Puffy Swollen Eyes Due to Allergies

While many people associate symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, or congestion with allergies, swollen puffy eyes can also be a sign of an allergy. Eye allergy symptoms can occur with the aforementioned symptoms or they can occur completely on their own.

Eye allergy symptoms may include:

What Triggers Eye Allergy Symptoms?

Eye allergy symptoms can occur from exposure to:

• Indoor allergens, including dust mites, mold, or pet dander

• Outdoor allergens, including pollens from weeds, grass, or trees

• Mold spores both, both outdoor and indoor

Primary Types Of Eye Allergies

Eye “allergies” may be present or it could be one of several other conditions:

• Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (SAC and PAC):  This is the actual eye allergy and is the most common.   It is caused by plant pollens, mold spores, or indoor allergens
• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, more serious than SAC or PAC and normally occurs in young males who suffer from asthma or eczema
• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis usually occurs in older male patients who have a history of atopic dermatitis
• Contact allergic conjunctivitis, caused by the second type of allergy and is often associated with itch, rashy skin on the eyelids.  Fragrances and eye drop preservatives are frequent causes.
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis, which is associated with wearing contact lenses can also cause puffy eyes

Reducing Your Exposure To Allergens

As with any type of allergy, the best way to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen. However, that is not always possible.

For example, if your eye allergy triggers are pollen, you should limit your time spent outdoors during the peak allergy seasons. A common incorrect myth is that wearing sunglasses outdoors can help prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.  A better route is to not rub your eyes with your allergen-covered hands and to shower after getting inside to wash off allergens.

Relief from eye allergies

You may be able to find relief from your eye allergy symptoms, including swollen and puffy eyes by using over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines. Nasal corticosteroid sprays often help, too. Avoid the prolonged use of OTC eye drops with decongestants because they may cause your symptoms to worsen. If you are unable to get enough relief from OTC medications, it might be time to speak to a board-certified Allergist. 

For more proven ways to Allergy and Asthma Relief, choose a Real Allergist—one certified by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology (ABAI). For allergy suffers in the Sioux Falls area, Dakota Allergy & Asthma is ready to help.

CLICK HERE: for tips on how to start tackling your allergies on your own.

CLICK HERE: to determine if you should see an Allergist. Working with a Board-Certified Allergist can more effectively start you on the right course to conquering your allergies.

Eyelid edema: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Eyelid edema is a physiological deviation from the norm in the form of an excessive amount of fluid that accumulates in the area of ​​loose connective tissue tissue. The result of such a pathological process is the formation of a significant swelling around the eyes.

It should be noted that initially, the area around the eyelids is often prone to edema. The reason for this predisposition lies in the structure of the subcutaneous fat layer. In addition, there are a large number of vessels in the sounded area.

Edema of the eyelids is an alarming signal that the functioning of any organs in the body has failed. Aesthetics is very important for many people, but they forget about the priority of health over the beauty of the face. The cosmetologist will help get rid of only the external manifestation of the pathology, which can cause serious internal complications.

Swelling of the eyelids does not always indicate a disease. With excessive fluid intake and addiction to salty foods, the face often swells in the morning. Such discomfort resolves itself within a day, and does not require medical intervention. A specialist should be consulted if the swelling has become systematic.

If we are talking about healthy people, then swelling of the eyelids may appear due to lack of rest. Increased physical activity can also cause swelling of the entire face. In the heat, not only the movable folds around the eyes often swell, but also the limbs.

Varieties of voiced aesthetic and internal pathology have their own classification:

1. Inflammatory edema. The main reason for its occurrence is damage to the eyes by bacteria. As a result of such a pathogenic attack, pus accumulates in this area, and the eyelids swell. Visually, this variety looks like reddening of the movable folds around the eyes and thickening in the focus of inflammation.

2. Non-inflammatory edema. Unlike a bacterial infection, this variety rarely manifests itself clearly. Its main symptom is the appearance of symptoms of pathology in the morning with damage to both eyes and pallor of the skin. Most often, the lower eyelids are affected by pathology, which is associated with dysfunction of some internal organs.

3. Allergic edema. It develops rapidly if an external irritant gets directly into the mucous membrane of the eye. It will take 2 hours for the first signs of swelling of the eyelids to appear after eating an allergen. With a severe headache, not only the skin folds around the visual organ swell, but the entire face. Quincke’s edema is the most aggressive form of manifestation of pathology.

4. Traumatic edema. Usually, it does not necessarily damage the eye itself. The eyelid will become more voluminous due to damage to the nerve tissues and muscles of the face.

5. Reactive edema. It should be noted as a special item. The cause of its occurrence is an inflammatory reaction in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses.

The main causes of swelling of the eyelids, which cause significant discomfort and spoil the visual characteristics of the face:

1. Chronic diseases. Edema often occurs against the background of cardiovascular pathologies, pyelonephritis and endocrine problems.

2. Injuries. Any injury to the eye will provoke not only the appearance of a bruise, but also a hematoma. Due to impact/trauma, the eyelids may be damaged and begin to swell.

3. Eye problems. They are, in most cases, infectious in nature. The eyelids swell with barley and conjunctivitis.

4. Congenital anatomy of the face. Some people are born with “heavy” eyelids, which, when in excellent health, look swollen.

5. Savings on cosmetics. When trying to buy decorative or pseudo-natural cosmetics on the cheap, instead of an attractive appearance, a woman can get a significant swelling of the eyelids.

6. Reaction to tattooing. If you want to create the effect of “arrows” around the eyes, there is a risk of causing a complication in the form of swelling of mobile skin folds.

7. Allergic reaction. It can occur in the form of both hay fever and due to intolerance to certain foods. A separate case is a reaction to microscopic mites that live in the frame of glasses.

8. Bite of stinging insects. Even with a mosquito bite, a person can scratch his eye to its significant swelling.

9. Increased intracranial pressure. With its bright manifestations, the veins on the temples and forehead swell, and the eyelids also swell.

10. Hereditary factor. If in the genus of a person many members of the family have such an aesthetic defect, then it is likely to receive this “gift”.

11. Wrong daily routine. Usually the eyelids swell in the “owls”, which stay up late at work if necessary to get up early in the morning.

12. Demodicosis. When the eyelids are affected by this parasite, eyelashes fall out along with their swelling, and pus is released from the eyes. The organs of vision begin to itch strongly, and there is a noticeable burning sensation in this area.

13. Bad habits. When alcohol is abused, a significant amount of fluid is “washed out” of the body. As a result, a person begins to suffer from constant thirst, then receiving swelling of the eyelids as a bonus.

Not all of the listed reasons pose a threat to human health and life. Under special control are people who are diagnosed with problems with the heart, kidneys and endocrine gland. In the latter case, with an increase in diameter, the whole face begins to swell the neck.

Prevention of pathology should be systemic. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules so that the eyelids do not swell:

1. Rational fluid intake. At night, it is better not to eat salty foods, which cause increased thirst. It is enough to drink a glass of warm milk or herbal tea before going to bed to avoid swelling and sleep soundly. Coffee drinkers and sugary carbonated drinks drinkers should limit these drinks.

2. Personal eye hygiene. The eyelids must be thoroughly cleaned during morning and evening water procedures. This warning is especially true for women who apply decorative cosmetics to their eyes. Each family member should have their own personal face towel.

3. Refusal to economize on one’s own health. The purchase of cosmetic products from trusted companies is a guarantee of avoiding the appearance of an allergic reaction to a fake. Consultation with a specialist, if you wish, to make a tattoo of the eyelids also does not hurt.

4. Compliance with safety regulations. Some activities are associated with an increased risk to the eyes. To protect the eyelids, wear a special mask during work.

5. Precautions in the summer. When out in the sun, protect your eyes with goggles, an umbrella, or a wide-brimmed hat.

6. Precautions when dealing with people. An interlocutor who coughs or has all the signs of a stye is not the best option for close communication.

7. Thorough cleaning of the premises. The percentage of allergic reactions among the population to mold and dust is increasing. For this reason, wet cleaning should be carried out regularly in the home. It is necessary to get rid of old things, which over time have become dust accumulators and a habitat for mites.

8. Animal care. Pet hair is a powerful allergen for many people. If there are carpets on the floor in the house, then they need to be vacuumed several times a day. The animals themselves are recommended to be combed regularly (especially during the molting period).

If the eyelids are already swollen, then under the supervision of a specialist, you need to change your idea of ​​​​the correct construction of the daily routine, and change your attitude to some things.

First aid for yourself

If the eye is injured, the eyelid may immediately increase in volume. Before visiting the emergency room, you should wash your hands with laundry or baby soap, because aromatic fragrances can cause an allergic reaction to the damaged area.

Treat the bruised area with an antiseptic after removing dirt from it. The next step is to use a cold compress to stop the tumor from spreading. An important condition is a ban on pressing them on the damaged area for 5 minutes. Such inaccurate actions can cause injury to the eyeball. Then the edema area should be covered with a sterile bandage and urgently contact the emergency room.

Special precautions: even if itching, do not rub the bruised area with your fingers and wash the eye if there is an open wound.

When choosing a therapy, first of all, the very cause of the pathology is eliminated. Otherwise, lotions, drops and tablets will not bring benefits, but significant harm. Traditional medicine is good only in the form of accompanying therapy under the supervision of the attending physician.

Application of eye drops. Their use should be clearly distinguished depending on the etymology of the pathology. Oftalmoferon and Aktipol are prescribed if the eye is attacked by viruses. Without Tetracycline, Floxal and Ciprofloxacin, you can not do without the defeat of the eyelid by bacteria.

Use of decongestants. In most cases, they are prescribed for the diagnosis of blockage of the lacrimal gland (dacryadenitis). Eliminate extensive puffiness will help Tavegil, which is prescribed in a hospital setting.

Prescription of analgesics. The inflammatory nature of eyelid edema is often accompanied by pain, which is sometimes intense. To improve the general condition of the patient, he is prescribed Analgin injections. Massage of the problem area and physiotherapy will also help to stop the pain.

Use of ointments. Hydrocortisone ointment has an antibacterial effect and helps relieve swelling of the eyelid.

Absorbent use. In this case, affordable activated charcoal is quite suitable. Such a precautionary measure is necessary so that the provoking substance is excreted from the body along with urine. In this case, you need to drink enough liquid, because otherwise the absorbent will not have the desired effect.

Taking antiallergic drugs. Use them only after a visit to the ophthalmologist. Usually, with allergic eyelid edema, Suprastin, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, Zodak or Diazolin tablets are prescribed.

Cryodestruction. Liquid nitrogen is able, in the absence of metastases, to contribute to the destruction of the focus of cancer. This technique allows you to detach tissues that have undergone life-threatening destruction.

Surgery. Its main task is to excise a malignant neoplasm with the capture of a small amount of tissues that have not been affected. In the future, with analyzes within the normal range, the patient undergoes blepharoplasty.

Eye instillation. In this case, drugs from the vasoconstrictor pharmacological group are used. In practice, Octilia and Vizin showed themselves effectively.

Less optimistic is the development of malignant edema at a later stage. If the internal cavity is affected, then during the operation all tissues in the sounded zone are excised. If surgical intervention is inappropriate, recommendations are limited to taking chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy.

Eyelid edema – causes, examination and treatment in Astrakhan| Symptoms

Allergic reactions affecting the eyes only
Signs: Itching, no pain. Pale, swollen eyelid(s) and sometimes pale, swollen conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the front of the eye). Sometimes occurs in patients who have already had such an attack or who have previously been exposed to the allergen. One or both eyelids are affected.

Blepharitis (inflammation of the edges of the eyelids)
Signs: Yellow crusts on the eyelashes. Itching, burning, redness, sores, or a combination of all of these. Sometimes accompanied by seborrheic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin, which is characterized by the presence of fatty plaques on the scalp and face). Both eyelids are usually affected.

Herpes simplex blepharitis
Signs: Clusters of fluid-filled blisters on reddened skin, open sores, and significant pain. As a rule, one eye is affected (both eyes may suffer in children).

Chalazion (enlargement of the sebaceous gland deep in the eyelid)
Signs: Painful reddened area on only one eyelid. Subsequently, the development of a round, painless swelling at the edge of the eyelid.

Infectious conjunctivitis
Signs: Redness of the white of the eye, discharge and sometimes crusting on the eyelashes when a person wakes up in the morning. One or both eyes are affected.

Herpes zoster
Signs: Clusters of fluid-filled blisters on reddened skin, open sores, and significant pain. Usually only one eye is affected, and there is pruritus in the adjacent area.

Barley (hordeolum)
Signs: Redness and pain on one eyelid. Subsequently, swelling of the edge of the eyelid, sometimes small, raised, pus-filled bumps

Insect bite
Signs: Itching, redness, sometimes small raised bumps.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (blockage of a vein at the base of the brain due to infection by a blood clot)
Signs: Headache, eyeball protrusion, eye muscle weakness with double vision, droopy eyelids, loss of vision, and fever. As a rule, one eyelid is first affected, then the other. Symptoms of sinusitis (pain behind the eyes that worsens with head movement and nasal discharge, sometimes with blood in it) or other facial infections such as orbital cellulitis or preseptal cellulitis.

Orbital phlegmon (infection of tissues within and around the orbit)†
Signs: Protrusion of the eye, redness of the eye, pain in the depths of the eye. Red swollen eyelids. Sometimes double vision, inability to turn the eyes in certain directions, pain when moving the eyes or loss of vision, fever. Usually only one eye is affected. Sometimes symptoms of sinusitis precede.

Preseptal (periorbital) phlegmon (infection of the eyelid and skin and tissues around the front of the eye)
Signs: Swelling and redness around the eye, no protrusion of the eye. Sometimes pain (usually around the eye) and fever. Usually only one eye is affected. Vision is not disturbed, eye movements are not limited.