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. Show
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:
Your health care provider may look for the following:
Allergy testing may reveal the pollen or other substances that trigger your symptoms.
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:
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. 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. Call your provider if:
Conjunctivitis - allergic seasonal/perennial; Atopic keratoconjunctivitis; Pink eye - allergic 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, Spektor T. Allergic conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.7. Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Table of Contents
At some point, nearly everyone experiences swollen eyelids from allergies, irritation, inflammation, or infections. It is important to know the symptoms so you know how to manage the problem, but treatment can begin at home for the first day or two. Puffy eyes are often mistaken for swollen eyes, but puffiness can occur for several reasons. Common causes of swollen eyes, not puffy eyes, start with allergies, but include serious infections that need medical treatment. Less common causes of swollen or inflamed eyes are often chronic conditions that require medications and ongoing doctors’ appointments. The health of your eyes is closely associated with the health of the rest of your body, so understanding swollen eyelids can help you get the treatment you need. Swelling on eyelids can have several potential causes, which may have other symptoms, depending on how serious the condition is. By themselves, swollen eyelids may be a temporary condition. They can feel uncomfortable or irritating, but they will go away on their own. Your eyelids may swell when there is inflamed tissue or excessive fluid (edema) around the connective tissues of the eye near the eyeball. The experience may be painful, hot, itchy, or uncomfortable, or it may simply look odd. Aside from enlarged tissues around your eyes and difficulty moving your eyelids, symptoms associated with swollen eyes include:
Common Causes of Swollen EyelidsNearly everyone experiences swollen eyelids at some point in their lives. However, there are other common conditions that may be more serious, which require an eye exam for an appropriate diagnosis rather than home treatment.
Eye Swelling ScaleIf you have swollen eyes, you can assess the overall severity using an eye swelling scale. This essentially rates the swelling as mild, moderate, or severe.
If your swelling is mild to moderate on the eye swelling scale, you can often treat the condition at home. If it’s moderate to severe, you should consult a doctor. The Difference Between Puffy and Swollen EyelidsMany people may develop “puffy” eyes and think, at first, that their eyelids are swollen. There are some differences between puffy and swollen that are important to keep in mind, however.Puffy eyes may be inherited, caused by a lack of sleep, or due to crying. Stress, fatigue, and allergies may all contribute to puffy eyes, which can obstruct your vision and become uncomfortable. Puffy eyes typically do not have other symptoms associated with them, however, and they can be safely treated at home. You may go for a “spa treatment” and place cucumber slices over your eyes; you may use a small amount of Preparation H to reduce swelling; or you could take an antihistamine, which will reduce inflammation all over your body. These at-home treatments for puffiness are safe and effective in the short term. There are many common causes of puffy eyes.
Puffiness typically goes away on its own and does not have other symptoms associated with it. Swelling in the eyelids, however, can indicate a different underlying condition or a more serious problem with your health. Understanding the different potential causes of swollen eyes, and the symptoms associated with them, can help you determine when to see a doctor for medical treatment. Less Common Medical Conditions Associated With Swollen EyelidsThere are several medical conditions that involve swollen eyelids as one symptom. Treatment specifically for this swelling may be home-based, but treating the underlying medical condition is crucial.
How Can You Prevent Eyelid Swelling?While you can’t fully prevent eyelid swelling, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of it occurring. Here are some tips:
Treatment for Eye SwellingThe best way to treat eye swelling will depend on the cause. Your best bet is to consult a doctor to determine the cause and follow their prescribed treatment. If you are experiencing mild swelling, you can try some of these home remedies:
Get Help From Medical Professionals for Serious Issues With Swollen EyelidsThe health of your eyes reflects your overall physical health. When a saline solution, cool compress, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any of the other suggestions above do not reduce puffy or swollen eyelids, or the condition is accompanied by a rash, fever, serious itching, redness, or discharge, you should see a doctor. Infections and inflammation can lead to damage to your eyes and even cause blindness when untreated. Often, swelling that does not go away indicates an underlying medical condition that requires more intensive treatment. Symptoms of InfectionIn some cases, swollen eyelids can be a sign of infection. If you notice these symptoms in addition to swelling, it’s time to see a doctor:
When Will the Swelling Subside?The duration of eyelid swelling depends on the underlying cause. Most often, it should begin to decrease within a day or two. If it persists longer than that, see a doctor. ReferencesSome Causes and Features of Eyelid Swelling. Merck Manual, Consumer Version. Puffy Eyes: What Causes Them and What to Do About It. (April 2019). Cleveland Clinic. 8 Reasons Why Your Eyes Are So Puffy—And What To Do About It, According to A Dermatologist. (April 2020). Women’s Health. Top Causes of Swollen Eyelids. (December 1, 2018). Verywell Health. Here’s the Tea: Use Tea Bags on Your Eyes. Greatist. The information provided on this page should not be used in place of information provided by a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages. What helps swollen eyes from an allergic reaction?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).
Why are my eyes still puffy after an allergic reaction?Eye puffiness or swelling is a common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, along with itchy, red eyes, a burning sensation and a clear, watery discharge. During an allergic reaction, white blood cells attach to protective mast cells in the mucus membranes of the eyes and nasal passages, and fluid builds up.
How long does it take for eyes to go back to normal after allergic reaction?They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months. Even with adequate treatment, some allergic reactions may take two to four weeks to go away.
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