Avoid Exposure To Allergens
The best way to avoid itchiness in your eyes is to avoid exposure to common allergens you can be sensitive to. Stay indoors and keep the windows closed in the allergy season when the pollen count is highest. Keep your room air-conditioned because ac filters can trap different allergens and filter out pollen and mold spores. You can wear wraparound sunglasses to help protect your eyes from itchiness if you go out in allergy season.
Rubbing Makes Eye Allergies Worse
Red, itchy eyes can be so uncomfortable, it’s tempting to rub or scratch. As much as you may want to, try to keep your hands away. Rubbing will only make symptoms worse by triggering the release of more inflammatory chemicals. Refrain from wearing eye makeup that might irritate eyelids. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Apply cold compresses over the area to help relieve symptoms. Wash your hands often to minimize introducing dirt or allergic substances into sensitive eyes.
What Are Eye Allergies
When a foreign particle or substance such as dust enters your eye, your body naturally releases histamine to protect you. An eye allergy can occur as your immune systems reaction to the presence of the irritant or allergen.
This reaction is also called allergic conjunctivitis, and it can cause eyelid discomfort and swelling. It can also affect the conjunctiva, the tissue layer that covers the front part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids.
You may also experience itching and a persistent urge to rub your eyes. In more serious cases, your eye turns so red and swells so much as it seeks to fight off the allergen that it seems as if it is infected. Such allergies are common, but not everybody has a significant reaction when dust or pollen gets into their eyes. They have a higher level of tolerance, just as some people are more vulnerable.
You may be at risk, too, if you experience nose allergies on exposure to foreign particles inside and outside your home or office environment. The severity of your allergic reaction can vary based on many factors.
While some people experience only lid inflammation, others suffer corneal irritation and scarring. You can minimize your risk of developing eye allergy complications with early management and treatment.
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Allergy Shots Are A Treatment Option
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are a series of injections to improve an individual’s tolerance to allergens. The treatment helps the immune system be less sensitized to allergens and it may help with eye allergies. At first, small amounts of the offending allergens are injected into an allergy sufferer. As treatment proceeds, increasing amounts of the allergens are injected. Treatment usually lasts several months. People who have severe allergies may be the most likely to benefit from allergy shots. The treatment may not provide complete relief and you may still need to rely on medications to keep your chronic allergy symptoms in check.
Make The Itching Stop: Four Tips To Get Eye Allergy Relief
Seasonal allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year. Airborne allergens like pollen, dander, and dust can cause the eyes to swell and become red, itchy, watery, and just plain uncomfortable.
If you think you have eye allergies, here are some helpful tips to get relief for your itchy eyes.
Drink Lemon Juice To Tackle Allergic Reactions
Lemon contains the flavonoid hesperetin and vitamin C. Both these compounds have antihistamine properties and can help prevent an allergic reaction. One case study found that a woman who was sensitive to a variety of substances from detergents, dust, and pollen to perfumes experienced relief from symptoms when she had lemon juice. Interestingly, the lemon juice worked in half an hour and cleared symptoms of not only eye allergy but also nasal allergy.78
What Causes Itchy Eyes
The most common cause of itchy eyes is an allergy. Itchy eyes can be triggered by exposure to pollen, animal fur, mould, dust mites, make-up or eye drops. The body reacts to the trigger by releasing histamine, causing the blood vessels in the eye to dilate and irritating the nerve endings so the eyes water. When the eyes get red because of an allergy, it is known as allergic conjunctivitis .
Allergic conjunctivitis is more common at certain times of the year, although you can still have it all year round. It also causes a runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing.
Other types of allergy can give you itchy eyes. For example, a condition called atopic keratoconjunctivitis produces an inflammation of the surface of the eye because of an allergy to a specific substance. Another condition, vernal keratoconjunctivitis , produces inflammation in the membrane on the surface of the eye. This usually affects young boys.
If you have eczema, a form of dermatitis, around your eyes this too can cause itching.
Other causes of itchy eyes include:
- dry eye syndrome when you do not produce enough of the right kind of tears to keep the surface of your eye moist and comfortable
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Avoid Outdoor Allergy Triggers
Do your symptoms act up in the spring or summer? You may have seasonal eye allergies. Pollen from grass, weeds, and trees may trigger your eye allergy symptoms. Monitor pollen counts and stay indoors when they are high outside, if possible. Close the windows and run the air conditioner to help filter the air. Pollen counts tend to be the highest in the early evening and mid-morning when winds are most active. If you must be outside, wear sunglasses to minimize contact with allergens. Do not use window fans. These can draw irritants from outside and deliver them into your home and make eyes itchy.
Preservative Free Eye Drops
Preservative-free drops are recommended because they contain fewer additives which can further irritate the eyes. Keep in mind that many of these preservative-free eye drops may only be used for a few weeks after the bottle is opened it is important to follow the directions on the bottle.
In addition, many eye drops come in two forms, single-use preservative free vials and multi-use bottles, with or without preservatives. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Ask your eye doctor what he recommends for your individual needs.
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Tips To Ease Swollen Eyes
Remember, these are your eyes were talking about, so check with your doctor or ophthalmologist before you try any treatment. But if you’re looking for relief, consider the following home remedies and medical interventions.
Wash your face. Washing your face is one of the first things you should do to combat itchy, swollen eyes, says Ogbogu. It can help wash away the allergens sticking to your skin and eyelashes.
Rinse out the eyes. “Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and that’s usually helpful,” Ogbogu says. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out.
Apply a cold compress. “Cold compresses around the eyes can be helpful with itching and swelling,” says Ogbogu. Soak a towel or washcloth in cold water or refrigerate a damp cloth or eye pillow. Then lie down with the compress across your eyes to let the coolness reduce swollen eyelids.
Try allergy eye drops. Ogbogu suggests trying an over-the-counter eye drop made to soothe itchy, swollen eyes caused by allergies. An ophthalmologist might prescribe an antihistamine eye drop. The AAO cautions that using these drops for more than three days may actually increase irritating symptoms.
Mast cell stabilizer eye drops can also be effective, preventing the release of histamines in your body. Unlike antihistamines, these need to be administered before exposure to an allergen in order to prevent itching, notes the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Symptoms To Watch For
You may start to have symptoms as soon as the eyes come in contact with the allergen, or you may not have symptoms for two to four days.
Symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Soreness, burning, or pain
- Sensitivity to light
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Have An Allergy Plan And Stick To It
The best way to avoid suffering from itchy, swollen eyes, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms is to prevent symptoms before they start. Know your allergy triggers and do your best to avoid them. Do you feel better or worse during certain times of the year? Your doctor can perform allergy testing to identify which substances are irritants for you. You may need a combination of oral medications, nasal sprays, eye drops, and shots to control your eye allergy and allergic symptoms. Ask your doctor how best to control your chronic allergy symptoms and what to do if you have an allergic reaction.
Ask whether home remedies, like applying a cool compress over itchy eyes, will help. Discuss plans for how to treat mild and more severe symptoms with the doctor. Ditch the contact lenses when itchy eyes flare up. Stick to glasses. Follow your doctor’s eye care instructions. Stash moisturizing eyedrops on hand at home and work to treat dry eyes when they occur. Protect your eye health by wearing sunglasses outside. You can manage diseases like eye allergies, asthma, eczema, and other conditions with the right plan.
What Are Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms
People with eye allergies suffer from redness, itching, burning, and clear discharge. Depending on the type of allergic conjunctivitis a person has, they may exhibit tearing, sensitivity to light, feeling that something is in the eye , puffiness, blurry vision, discomfort wearing contact lenses, swollen eyelids, or produce a thick, mucus discharge may be present. Some people with the condition also have nasal allergies, eczema, or asthma. All of these are allergic diseases.
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Causes And Risk Factors For Itchy Eyes
This condition is also known as ocular pruritus . It can be caused by various factors, like allergies, infections, and a few underlying medical conditions.
The common causes of itchy eyes are:
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Occurs due to lack of moisture and lubrication in the eyes .
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and secrete oil. Clogging or abnormal development of these glands may result in an insufficient amount of oil in tears. This may cause the tears to evaporate quickly and results in dry eyes and irritation .
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the eyelids. This condition is caused by staphylococcal bacteria or eyelid mites .
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This is an allergic reaction caused by contact lenses that results in itching 90137-4/pdf” rel=”nofollow”> 5).
- Contact Dermatitis: This is an inflammatory skin condition caused due to environmental conditions .
- Infectious Conjunctivitis: Infectious conjunctivitis is caused when eyes are infected by viral and bacterial infections.
The factors that can increase your risk of developing itchy eyes are:
- Dust, pollen, and animal dander
- Spending long durations in front of the computer
- Advancing age
- Environmental conditions like dry air, air conditioning, and smoking
- Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
The condition is characterized by the following signs and symptoms.
Symptoms Of Eye Allergies
You might be asking yourself, what causes itchy eyes? or why are my eyes itchy?
Though there are many factors, itchy eyes caused by allergens is among the most common reasons.
If youve ever experienced irritated, red, and watery eyes during your allergy flare-ups, youre most likely experiencing allergic conjunctivitis, or allergic pink eye.
Not to be confused with bacterial conjunctivitis, pink eye caused by allergens is not contagious.3
As symptoms appear very similar, you might be unsure of your condition. To help make things easier, here are some common symptoms of eye allergies: 3
- Itchiness or burning
- Red or pink eyes
- Tends to occur in both eyes
You should also remember that unlike a bacterial infection, allergic pink eye should not produce thick, yellow-green mucus or crust. 4
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Allergy Medication Can Help
Some medications that you take to treat hay fever, nasal allergies, runny nose, and throat and sinus problems may also help control eye allergies. Antihistamines and decongestants are available in capsule, pill, and liquid forms. Potential side effects of these medications may include dry eyes and drowsiness. Some kinds of decongestants may make you jittery or dizzy. If you have high blood pressure, certain ingredients in allergy medication may not be safe for you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medications are safe for you.
How To Prevent Eye Allergy Symptoms
Avoid allergy triggers by implementing the following suggestions:
- Use air conditioning. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
- Wear glasses orsunglasses. This will help to protect your eyes from pollen.
- Limit dust accumulation. Use mite-proof bedding covers and wash your bedding frequently, using hot water . Clean shelves with a wet rag and floors with a mop, instead of dry-dusting or sweeping.
- Control mold. Use a dehumidifier to control mold growth. Treat visible mold with detergent and a five percent bleach solution.
- Wash your hands. This will help to eliminate any allergens you may have come in contact with, such as when touching a pet or cutting the grass.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. This can further irritate your eyes.
- Choose your makeup carefully. Certain makeup products can irritate your eyes and exacerbate eye allergy symptoms. Look for makeup products that contain natural ingredients and are designed for sensitive eyes and skin.
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What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis
Red, burning, itching, tearing eyes are the main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The condition affects millions of Americans. More than one-third of children suffer from allergies. About 30% to 50% of children who have one parent with allergies will develop allergies. About 60% to 80% of children who have two allergic parents will develop allergies. Sufferers can feel downright miserable. Allergies cause fatigue, difficulties performing everyday activities, and may interfere with sleep. The condition may occur year round or seasonally. People who suffer may have dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners. There are different types of allergic conjunctivitis and different triggers. Effective treatment depends on the type the patient has as well as identifying their unique triggers.
How Do I Tell The Difference Between Eye Allergies And Pink Eye In My Child
Eye allergies generally do not produce the pus and crusts that are the primary symptoms of pink eye . Eye allergies usually affect both eyes at the same time, whereas conjunctivitis often starts in one eye before moving to the other.
If your child has allergies, symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or stuffiness may also be present.
If you’re in doubt, reach out to your child’s doctor. While allergies can usually be managed at home, conjunctivitis is very contagious and needs to be treated by a healthcare provider.
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When To Contact A Medical Professional
- 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.
What Are The Eye Allergy Symptoms
Eye allergy symptoms can include itchy, red, watery eyes. The itching can be intense, and there may also be a burning or gritty sensation. The eyes look red because the conjunctiva is irritated. The watery discharge can sometimes appear stringy. Although the symptoms of eye allergies are uncomfortable, peoples vision is usually fine.
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What To Do When Allergies Or Infections Strike
Even if you fight the good fight, you may still sometimes need relief from itchy, watery eyes. Depending on your diagnosis, here are treatments that can help.
For allergies: Topical medications are usually better than general allergy remedies for treating eye allergies. Many allergy eye drops are extremely successful in treating symptoms. Some actually work to prevent symptoms by preventing the allergic reaction from getting started.
Your doctor may suggest short-term medications to help control inflammation, such as steroid or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Over-the-counter artificial tears also can help keep eyes moistened and flush out allergens.
For infections: Viral infections generally clear up on their own, but cold compresses and lubricating eye drops can minimize symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial eye infection.
For eye infections caused by fungi and parasites, the medication will depend on whats causing the problem. Your eye doctor can help sort that out.
Getting quick diagnosis and treatment is the key when you have irritated eyes. No matter whats causing the problem, your eye doctor can help you find the right treatment and the relief you need.
Allergies Or Infection Heres How You Can Tell
Whether ragweed or pet dander is the culprit, allergens affect the eyes in the same way.
Eye infections can come from many causes virus, bacteria, parasite or fungus and the symptoms vary with the cause, but in general, infections have a longer list of symptoms when compared to allergies.
The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, its likely more than allergies.
To get the right treatment, youll need your eye doctor to find out whats behind your eye problem. Eye allergies arent contagious but they can be miserable to deal with. If its an infection, you run the risk of damaging your eye and/or spreading it to others.
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