To reduce eye swelling from allergies, a person should try to avoid any known triggers or touching and rubbing their eyes. A person can also try applying a cold compress and taking certain medications.
Eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis occur when the lining of the eye and eyelid react to an allergen that irritates them. The eye produces histamine to try and fight off the allergen. This can cause the eyes to become swollen, red, and itchy.
In this article, we discuss the various remedies a person can try to reduce swelling from eye allergies, medical treatments available, when to see a doctor, and more.
If a person experiences swelling due to an eye allergy, there are several home remedies they can try, including:
- Avoiding outdoor allergens: A person should try to avoid whichever outdoor allergens irritate the eyes and lead to swelling. A person can avoid going outside at high pollen times, wear sunglasses to protect the eyes, and avoid window fans because they can bring pollen and mold inside.
- Avoiding indoor allergens: Dust, mold, and pets can lead to swelling from an eye allergy. A person can avoid dust by washing bedding frequently, using anti-mite covers to avoid dust mites, and avoiding dusting or sweeping by using a damp cloth or mop. A person can limit mold exposure by keeping humidity low, using a dehumidifier, and treating visible mold. A person can avoid allergens from pets by washing hands, clothes, and surfaces after contact and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
- Not touching the eyes: A person should avoid rubbing their eyes because this can worsen swelling and lead to infection. If a person needs to touch their eye, they should wash their hands first.
- Using eye wash: A person should keep their swollen eye clean and clear as much as possible. Using an eye wash free of preservatives can help keep the eye moist and clear out any allergens to reduce swelling.
- Applying an eye compress: A person can apply a cold compress to their eye, such as a damp washcloth in the freezer, to help reduce swelling.
- Using tear substitute eye drops: Artificial tears can help soothe the eye and remove allergens, thereby reducing swelling.
Learn about the permanence of allergies.
If home remedies for eye allergy swelling are not working, a person may want to try medical treatments, including:
- antihistamine eye drops, which can provide quick relief of swelling
- corticosteroid eye drops, which can reduce swelling but are for short-term use
- immunotherapy shots, which can help a person become immune to an allergen
- oral antihistamines, which can help reduce itching and swelling
- mast cell stabilizer eye drops, which can help reduce swelling and prevent allergies
Read more treatments for allergies.
If eye allergy swelling does not improve or gets worse after trying home remedies and medications, a person should seek medical attention.
People may need to
- other medical conditions or factors that can affect the immune system, such as HIV or undergoing cancer treatment
- eye pain
- blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or changes in vision
- headaches
- excessively red eyes
The eyes can be an easy target for allergens and irritants because they can be sensitive and have constant exposure to the environment.
An eye allergy
If the surface of the eyes comes into contact with an allergen, they may respond by producing the chemical histamine to try and fight off the allergen. This can lead to swelling of the eyes.
A person may be more vulnerable to eye allergy swelling if they wear contact lenses, have a prosthetic eye, or have stitches in the eye due to an injury.
A person may be more likely to experience eye allergy swelling if they also have contact dermatitis, which is an itchy allergy rash, or if another person in the family experiences eye allergies.
Here are some commonly asked questions about swollen eyes from allergies.
How long does it take for swollen eyes from allergies to go down?
Eye swelling from allergies typically goes down after several days of a person receiving treatment. However, a person
What is the fastest way to heal a swollen eyelid allergy?
The fastest way to heal a swollen eyelid allergy is to avoid whichever allergens trigger the eye allergy. Keeping the eyes clean and avoiding touching them can also help quickly heal a swollen eyelid allergy.
What makes eye swelling go down fast?
The quickest way to relieve eye allergy swelling is to use antihistamine eye drops because they provide fast relief. Using a cold compress can also help reduce swelling quickly.
What allergy medication is good for puffy eyes?
Allergy medications such as antihistamine eye drops and corticosteroid eye drops can be good for reducing puffy and swollen eyes.
There are several home remedies a person can try to reduce eye allergy swelling. Some of these include a cold compress, eye drops, and avoiding contact with any allergens.
If home remedies do not reduce eye swelling, a person may want to try medications such as antihistamine and corticosteroid eye drops.
If eye allergy swelling persists after a person has tried various treatment, they may want to contact a doctor. If a person experiences changes in vision, excess redness, or pain in the eyes, they should also contact a doctor.