19th, August 2019 | Oh Jinna
How to Deal With Eye Allergies: Home Remedies and More
Approximately 20% of the population suffers from allergic conditions, most commonly environmental allergies. If you are one of those people who are easily prone to allergies, then you might want to read this article.
This article will discuss about a specific type of allergy – eye allergies and its possible home remedies and more.
WHAT CAUSES EYE ALLERGIES?
Like all other type of allergies, eye allergy, also called as allergic conjunctivitis, is caused by the main factor called allergens.
Allergens are any substance that produces an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with a sensitive individual.
Eye allergy occurs when something you are allergic to irritates the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.
When you are exposed to allergens, the cells in your eyes called mast cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation. After this, you can experience itching, redness, and watering in your eyes.
The most common causes of allergic conjunctivitis are seasonal allergens such as pollen and mold spores. However, there are several other types of allergens that can trigger eye allergies. Here are some of them:
– Outdoor allergens
These are the most common causes of eye allergies. These outdoor allergens include pollens from grass, trees, and weeds.
– Indoor allergens
Indoor allergens include common things inside the house or office such as pet dander, dust mites and mold spores.
– Irritants
Other things can trigger allergies such as cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust depending on your sensitivity.
– Reactions to certain cosmetics
There are certain cosmetic products that are not compatible to some people that can cause certain reactions to the face and eyes.
Aside from that, eye drop products and other artificial tears used for treating dry eyes can cause allergies because it contains some preservatives.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF EYE ALLERGIES
Eye allergies basically have simple and common warning signs. It can be experienced only in one eye or both eyes. Check out some of these signs below:
– Eye redness or pink eye
– Watery eyes
– Burning sensation in the eye
– Mucous discharge
– Swollen, puffy eyes
Most often than not, people confused the symptoms of eye allergies as signs of pink eye. Although, the two have mostly similar symptoms, they are quite different.
The symptoms for pink eye generally center entirely around the eyes. The symptoms for allergies can center more around your ears, nose, and throat and general congestion. Pink eye can be triggered by bacteria or viruses and is highly contagious.
However, seasonal eye allergies are not contagious. Aside from that, eye allergies are often accompanied by runny nose, constant sneezing, post nasal drip, and sinuses.
HOME REMEDIES FOR EYE ALLERGIES
Having eye allergies can be bothersome and can even disrupt your daily routine and work. As soon as possible, you want to get rid of it.
Medications for eye allergies are often expensive and needs prescription. Good thing, there are known easy and effective home remedies for eye allergies.
Check out some of these home remedies for eye allergies that you can easily rely on:
– Cold Compress
Coolness can reduce itching and swelling of the eyes. So if you are experiencing symptoms of eye allergies, soak a towel in cold water, then compress it across your eyes.
You can also take some ice cubes and wrap them in a towel and apply it to the affected area. This can relieve swelling around the area where you apply the towel with ice cubes.
According to an article, Ice is a very effective go-to for treating swelling and control pain of acute injuries.
Alternative: If you don’t like putting ice cubes on a towel to your eyes, there’s no need to worry. You can always opt to use a chilled spoon.
Just make sure to refrigerate the spoon for a short 1-2 minutes and put the cold spoon on the top of your eyes until it gets warm. This can be a temporary remedy to get rid of puffy and itchy eyes.
– Eye Wash
As you already know, eye allergies are triggered by allergens in the environment. Rinsing your face and your eyes may be helpful to remove some allergens from the inside of your eyes.
You just need to use clean, running water or distilled water.
Do this tip at least 2 to 3 times daily. But, make sure to rest your eyes from gadgets or any straining activities few minutes before washing them.
Water does not only cleanses your eyes but will also help soothe the irritation and brings back the freshness and natural moisture of your eyes.
It also important to remember the proper procedure of washing your eyes. Make sure to clean the eyelid margins near the base of the eyelashes using the water.
– Eye Drops
Over-the-counter eye drops are made to soothe eye redness, itching, and swellings. They are effective and works as artificial tears to help the eyes regain natural moisture.
You should always consider eye drops that are preservative free. These eye drops lubricate the eyes to flush out any irritants.
– Natural Eye Treatment
Here are some of the natural items that can treat eye issues you can easily find around your home:
1. Calamansi
This is a quick alternative to ease the pain in the eyes. Mix some drops of calamansi in a cup of water and use it as eye drop to the infected eye.
Calamansi contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant that may provide health benefits, including potential protection for your eyes. But make sure to ask your doctor about the risk of this.
2. Tea Bags
If you are fond of teas, then you’d be happy to know that your tea bags are quite useful for the eyes. Before throwing them, you can use it as eye compresses.
The tannin in tea bags has been proven to reduce swelling (baggy under eyes) and discoloration (dark circles).
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is known to treat a plethora of eye ailments – from red and itchy eyes to cataracts. One of its many eye benefits is reducing the dryness of the eyes by improving production of lipid in the eyes and inhibiting tear evaporation.
You can make an eye drop made of castor oil then apply one drop of oil into each eye before going to sleep.
However, some ophthalmologists claim that there are safer products available in the market that you can use instead of this. Consult your doctor first before using castor oil to your eyes.
4. Cucumber Slices
Putting cucumber slices on the eyes are not just for beauty purposes, it also helps in treating symptoms of eye allergies.
According to this article, the ascorbic acid and caffeic acid in cucumbers brings down the water retention in the eyes. This will reduce the swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
To do this, cut few slices of cucumber, refrigerate for at least 10 minutes and then place them on your close eyelids.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
When you experience some of the symptoms of eye allergies, it is important to get someone right to diagnose the severity of the condition.
It is recommended that you consult an allergist, someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.
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REFERENCES:
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/eye-allergy
https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/sports-wrap/ice-or-heat
https://wabisabitea-kyoto.com/14-popular-tea-types/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/castor-oil-in-eye
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