What causes swollen eyes due to allergies?

May 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, eye swelling due to allergies may be caused by exposure to allergenic airborne particles, ingestion of allergenic foods, eye injury, chronic conjunctivitis, or eyelid gland inflammation. In daily life, it is important to maintain good eye hygiene and avoid eye injuries to reduce the risk of eye infections. If you experience any eye discomfort, please follow your doctor's advice for treatment.

Generally, eye swelling due to allergies may be caused by exposure to airborne allergens, ingestion of allergenic foods, contact dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or allergic keratitis. When experiencing any bodily abnormalities or discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical help immediately for appropriate treatment. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Exposure to Airborne Allergens

When individuals with allergic constitutions come into contact with airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander, these substances may enter the eyes and interact with the conjunctiva, triggering an allergic reaction. Symptoms often include itching, tearing, and photophobia. It is important to avoid re-exposure to known allergens in daily life.

2. Ingestion of Allergenic Foods

Consuming certain foods—such as seafood, peanuts, or mangoes—may trigger systemic allergic reactions, which can sometimes affect the eyes and lead to eye swelling. Other symptoms may include generalized allergic reactions like skin itching and hives. It is advisable to avoid continued intake of identified allergenic foods.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory response caused by skin allergy to external substances, such as chemicals, plants, metals, or cosmetics. When these substances irritate the skin around the eyes, they may cause eye swelling. This condition is usually accompanied by sensations of burning or pain. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include topical medications such as halometasone cream, hydrocortisone butyrate cream, or oral loratadine tablets.

4. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva triggered by an allergic reaction. When the conjunctiva is exposed to allergens such as pollen or dust, a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, leading to eye swelling. Common accompanying symptoms include tearing, burning sensation, and photophobia. Treatment should follow medical guidance and may involve antiallergic eye drops such as emedastine difumarate eye drops, olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, or sodium cromoglicate eye drops.

5. Allergic Keratitis

Allergic keratitis refers to an allergic reaction of the cornea caused by exposure to allergens or environmental pollutants. Symptoms include eye swelling, typically accompanied by itching, pain, and photophobia. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as pranoprofen eye drops, diclofenac sodium eye drops, or oral chlorpheniramine maleate tablets.

In daily life, maintaining good eye hygiene and avoiding eye injuries are essential to reduce the risk of eye infections. If any eye discomfort occurs, follow the doctor's recommendations for proper treatment.

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