A former editor of "Archaeological Review from Cambridge," he has also written for Fortean Times, Fantasy Flight Games and The Unspeakable Oath. In addition to hay fever, many other types of allergies can cause similar reactions. For many allergy sufferers, the first sign of an allergic reaction is an uncomfortable tight sensation around the eyes. This sensation results from swelling of both the upper and lower eyelids. For example, some people with latex allergies, particularly those with severe latex allergies, suffer from swollen mucus membranes, including around the eyes, following skin contact with latex 3. An irritating substance — such as pollen, dust and animal … Food allergies, drug allergies and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings can also cause swelling 2. These can be … The most common cause of swollen eyes is an allergic reaction to airborne pollen, commonly known as "hay fever.". If you do not have an overall allergic reaction, … Eye allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to a certain allergen. The American Acadamy of Ophthalmology (AAO), list other symptoms of a blocked tear duct, which include watery eyes and tearing. Swollen eyes from an allergic reaction happen when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. This certainly can't be true if our eyes are red, swollen, watery, and itchy from an allergic reaction.Severe allergic eye … Instead, a chalazion occurs … A blocked tear duct prevents tears from draining from the eye and can also cause under-eye swelling. Many causes of swollen under-eyes are temporary or mild. Meng JF, Rosenwasser LJ. Unraveling the genetic basis of asthma and allergic diseases. Areas with swollen mucus membranes include the nose, the throat, and the eyes. 2009;124(3 Suppl):S43-70. Red, swollen, irritated, watery eyes… A person can try: To prevent the transmission of contagious conditions, the AAO suggest that people should: A person can develop a swollen under-eye area for a variety of reasons. 2009:55(3). According to the AAO, treatment may include drainage, surgery to remove dead tissue, and antibiotics. 2010;2(4):215–227. So, that’s one of the first things I check when I see someone with pink eye. Read about causes of swollen eyes, such as crying, allergies, blepharitis, and insect stings, and learn about medications that treat it. 2010;2(4):215–227. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. Dr James Holloway has been writing about games, geek culture and whisky since 1995. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals which cause an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis occurs due to a bacterial or viral eye infection. The AAO note that this can occur due to aging, fluid collecting under the eyes during sleep, or both. A swollen eyelid can vary from mild irritation to affecting a person's vision. There are several reasons why you might see swelling in your eyes or eyelids. For some conditions, swelling may occur with other symptoms, such as eye discoloration, itching, bruising, tearing, or discharge. doi:10.4168/aair.2010.2.4.215, Ortiz RA, Barnes KC. An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system detects a substance, called the allergen, which it identifies as harmful. An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system detects a substance, called the allergen, which it... Hay … You might also have itching or pain. Small bruises or insect bites, styes, and puffy eyes from excessive eye-rubbing may clear up on their own with at-home treatments. A swollen eyelid happens when fluid collects in the tissues around your eyes. Each of these conditions affects the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance, which will often cause swelling in the feet and other areas of the body. What do we really know about antioxidants? In addition to hay fever, many other types of allergies can cause similar reactions. Nature. Animal dander can cause swelling around the eyes, as can the presence of dust mites or mold spores. Avoiding touching the eyes will allow the area to return to normal. An Allergic Reaction That Causes the Eyes to Swell Swelling. Her left eye was swollen so we put an ice pack on it. Unraveling the Genetic Basis of Asthma and Allergic Diseases. Swelling under both eyes may have a variety of causes, such as: A person may notice mild swelling under the eyes when they wake up in the morning. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Symptoms include eye swelling, itching, burning, and tearing. Irritants like dirt, smoke, chemicals, and chlorine can also cause swelling and redness of the eyes. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. [14] Characteristics: Pain in one eye, which is usually severe and of sudden onset. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. “Chlamydia can also cause that. Klotz JH, Pinnas JL, Klotz SA, Schmidt JO. It is possible that a small … Ortiz RA, Barnes KC. Answer: The simple answer is no. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. Blocked tear ducts can develop due to an eye infection, an injury, or a tumor. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Swelling around the eyes can usually be treated by drugs that suppress the allergic reaction. Histamine has several effects, the most noticeable of which are sneezing and inflammation of the mucus membranes. Chalazion. Clin Transl Allergy. They trigger allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, stuffy and runny nose — and swollen eyes. We put eye drops in her eye, that worked for awhile but the swelling … doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.014. According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, excessive eye rubbing can lead to swelling. Allergic eyelid swelling Allergies occur when your body reacts to a foreign substance (called an allergen) by producing chemicals which cause swelling, redness and … Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children. It causes bloodshot, irritated eyes that may itch, burn, or hurt. 2012;2(1):25. doi:10.1186/2045-7022-2-25. Hello my doctor has sensitive skin & allergies. These irritate the eyes, increasing the risk of infection and causing painful swelling. Symptoms of eye allergies include: Red, irritated eyes Itchiness Tearing or runny eyes Swollen eyelids Soreness, burning, or pain Sensitivity to light It can be something you eat, inject into your body, touch, or inhale into … Common treatment options that help relieve the symptoms of swollen or infected eyes. Allergies can cause the eyes to swell and become red, itchy, watery, and … The most … Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. The eyes are the windows to the soul because they reflect our state of mind. An eye allergy, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is an adverse immune response that occurs when the eye comes into contact with an irritating substance. According to a review in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, this rare condition can cause severe swelling under the eye and on the upper cheekbones. Doctors consider the condition a form of rosacea, which causes the skin on the face to redden or darken. Animal dander can cause swelling around the eyes, as can the presence of dust mites or mold spores. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.05.013, Boye JI. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. The development of allergic inflammation. The eyelids may also become reddened and begin to itch. Burden of allergic rhinitis: results from the Pediatric Allergies in America survey. Genetics of allergic diseases. Your swollen eyelids may be the result of allergies. If some of the cream came into contact with the surface of your eyes, you may have an eye reaction known as … Associated symptoms and signs may include itching, watering eyes, discharge, dryness, and redness. Because airborne pollen varies seasonally, this reaction is most common in the spring and summer months. doi:10.4168/aair.2010.2.4.215. A person with this condition may also have other allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, or an itchy throat. Goldenberg A, Herro EM, Jacob SE. This substance is known as an allergen. The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. According to a 2020 article, it is most common in children and is often due to trauma or sinusitis. It causes severe under-eye swelling, pain, and inflammation. More widespread allergic reaction (for example, angioedema or allergic rhinitis) Swelling of one place in one eyelid is common and is most often caused by a blocked oil gland (chalazion) or a … Contact Dermatitis Allergens. The AAO indicate that when a person has a stye, they might feel like there is a foreign object in their eye. Allergens may include pollen, dust, or smoke. Smoking, lack of sleep, fluid retention, and allergies make it more likely that bags will develop under the eyes. They include: Allergies – This is a common problem that is also the simplest to treat. [5,14] Eye infections can start suddenly and worsen quickly, so it is important to get professional care for symptoms of pain in one eye symptoms and not try to treat them yourself. A person should read the package instructions carefully for proper dosing. Allergies. Applying hydrocortisone cream, cool cloths or other cool, damp objects such as tea bags may provide relief from the discomfort of swollen eyes. Can allergies affect just one eye but not the other? A wide variety of allergies can produce this reaction. This condition requires medical treatment to prevent damage to the eyes and other organs. Eye allergies sometimes cause significant discomfort, often interrupting daily activities with annoying symptoms such as eyelid irritation and swelling. 1. This reaction is not an allergic reaction. National Eczema Association. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/swollen-under-eye Conjunctivitis is contagious, so a person with these symptoms should avoid touching the eyes and see a doctor for treatment. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect the eye area in rare cases. The eyelids may become intensely itchy. Many psychiatry patients prefer online therapy, Paralyzed mice walk again after cytokine treatment, Twelve causes and treatments of a swollen eyelid, swelling causes eyes to close partially or completely, avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup, not share eye products, towels, and washcloths with others. Food allergies in developing and emerging economies: need for comprehensive data on prevalence rates. Histamine has several effects, the most noticeable of which are sneezing and inflammation of the mucus membranes. Swelling under the eye often causes puffiness, which may lead to the eye partially closing over. Other common symptoms are itching and swelling in the affected area. Typical allergies such as hay fever, etc., are systemic and affect both eyes. American Academy of Dermatology. If your eyes are super itchy or swollen, you can also consider taking an oral antihistamine (which targets histamine, the chemical that causes allergic reaction symptoms) … The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data. Most conditions are harmless, but it might be a good idea to visit a…, A stye is a red, inflamed bump on the inside or outside of the eyelid. The bump is caused by a collection of pus, and a bacterial infection is often…, When tear ducts become blocked, tears build up. Viruses and bacteria can also cause the same … This type of medication is commonly available without a prescription. Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergic reaction occurring. Although symptoms usually affect both eyes equally, rarely one eye may be more affected than the other. Doctors treat Morbihan disease with steroids and sometimes minor surgery to drain the excess fluid. 2008;454(7203):445–454. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, but a bacterial infection may start in one eye and spread to both. Rashes, hives and swelling … A stye is an infection that occurs at the base of the eyelashes, causing a painful lump. Read more…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. If a person with swelling under the eyes also has difficulty breathing or is in severe pain, they should seek immediate medical help. The most common cause of eyelid swelling is eye allergies. There different brands of over the counter eye drop you can use to soothe itchy, swollen eyes. Persistent swelling, or swelling that does not respond to medication, may indicate a reaction that requires medical attention. An infection may require antibiotics. American Entomologist. Allergic conjunctivitis is when a person's eye becomes sore, inflamed, and sometimes painful after coming into contact with an allergen. 2014;35(1):19–44. All rights reserved. Different types of pollen affect different people, meaning that individuals can react differently to the same environment. Swelling under one eye may be due to the following causes: People sometimes rub the eyes due to fatigue, itchiness, or a foreign object in the eye. In this article, we look at the symptoms of swelling under the eye, the potential causes, home remedies, and treatments. In many cases, the cause is mild and will improve with OTC medication, cool or warm compresses, and keeping the area clean. In general, allergy symptoms include watery or itchy eyes, a runny nose, itchy skin and sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population has some form of diagnosed pollen allergy 1. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Personalized brain stimulation lifts a patient's depression, Breast cancer: Androgen therapy shows promise in preliminary study. Getting enough sleep, sleeping with the head in a slightly elevated position, and cool compresses may help reduce their appearance. Most of the time, itchy eyes are caused by some type of allergy. If that node is swollen … However, if there are signs of infection or a more serious injury, such as pain, inflammation, or pus, a person should see their doctor promptly. The most common cause of swollen eyes is an allergic reaction to airborne pollen, commonly known as "hay fever." 2015;35(1):19-44. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.014, Meng JF, Rosenwasser LJ. If the swelling and pain get worse, or there are signs of infection, such as pus or discharge, a person may need medical treatment. doi:10.1038/nature07204, Meltzer EO, Blaiss MS, Derebery MJ, et al. Updated July 13, 2017. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Allergens, such as pollen and pet dander, can irritate the eyes, causing an allergic reaction. If the blockage is the result of an injury, it may resolve on its own. Applying hydrocortisone cream, cool cloths or other cool, damp objects such as tea bags may provide relief from the discomfort of swollen eyes. Swelling around the eyes can usually be treated by drugs that suppress the allergic reaction. Depending on the underlying cause, it may affect one or both eyes. When exposed to the allergen, cells in the eyes release histamines and other chemicals in an effort to protect the eyes, causing blood vessels inside the eyes to swell, and the eyes to b… It initiates a series of reactions intended to protect the body and expel the threat. Antihistamines inhibit the ability of the histamine in the bloodstream to bond to histamine receptors, reducing swelling and congestion. This swelling is intended to help prevent more of the allergen from entering the body. Other causes are less common but still possible. Swelling caused by allergies should improve with OTC antihistamines. An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system detects a substance, called the allergen, which it identifies as harmful. At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. In some cases, a person may need medical attention. A cut or bruise may cause swelling, discoloration, and pain. A person can experience eye swelling in both eyes due to organ failure. If swelling in the under-eye area is the result of an allergic reaction, taking an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help reduce the swelling. Genetics of Allergic Diseases. Periorbital cellulitis occurs when a wound near the eye becomes infected. Swelling under the eye can develop for a wide range of reasons, from mild conditions, such as allergies or blocked tear ducts, to more severe conditions, such as organ failure. Contact Dermatitis. High levels of histamine enter the bloodstream. A bacterial eye infection may produce white or yellow pus. Last medically reviewed on July 30, 2020. If a person has any of the following symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention: In mild cases of under-eye swelling, a person can often reduce the swelling and any eye irritation at home. This can … Doctors may treat lymphoma using radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Small injuries in the eye area may heal on their own if a person keeps the area clean and dry. Styes can clear up on their own. Puffy eyelids, Swelling and Tearing in one eye WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms puffy eyelids, swelling and tearing in … A graduate of Cambridge University, Holloway runs the blog Gonzo History Gaming. According to the Survey of Ophthalmology, a person with lymphoma will experience swelling and a visible lump or tumor. The swelling went down but her red turned red. In this case, allergic reactions include eyes that water, itch, hurt or become red or swollen. Galli SJ, Tsai M, Piliponsky AM. “A swollen lymph node in front of the ear is a classic sign of viral conjunctivitis,” Dr. Pflugfelder points out. Pollen allergies are relatively common. Because airborne pollen varies seasonally, this reaction is most common in the spring and summer months. Updated 2017. In cases of eye allergies, antihistamine eye … If you have red, itchy eyes and it’s hay fever time, you likely assume that allergies are causing the problem — and that you can treat it on your own with over-the-counter eye … Swelling under the eye may indicate an injury. The conjunctiva becomes red and sometimes swells, giving the surface of the eyeball a puffy appearance. Warm compresses: These are helpful for bumps along the rim of the eyelid, which are … This includes heart, kidney, or liver failure. Rubbing and scratching leads to eyelid skin redness, swelling… However, if a stye does not improve, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or may need to drain it. Allergy eye drop. Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with MedicineNet… A chalazion looks like a stye, but it is not an infection. Allergies: Overview. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes From Allergies, Centers for Disease Control: Allergies and Hay Fever. Allergies can cause fluid to build up in your sinuses and around your eyes. Contact allergy: Getting a particle of dust, pollen, or pet dander in your eye can cause a small amount of irritation, which may lead to swelling. If there are signs of infection, such as eye redness, pain, or discharge, or the swelling is severe, a person should see their doctor. Anaphylactic Reactions to Arthropod Bites and Stings. Similarly, insect bites, such as a mosquito bite that occur near the eye, may cause swelling. A severe allergic reaction may cause anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency that causes hives, swollen airways, and difficulty breathing. A person’s eye may also feel scratchy, sensitive to light, or watery.