Eye Allergy

Allergies of eyes usually affect the skin of the eyelids and around the eye, and the conjunctiva - the membrane that lines the inner surfaces of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Both are likely to have been in contact with the allergen.

In allergic conjunctivitis, the eyes appear bloodshot, tears flow, the upper and lower eyelids are painful and swollen, and the eyes itch or burn. Normally, both eyes are affected simultaneously and, nearly always, allergic rhinitis occurs at the same time.

Eye Allergy Causes

There are numerous triggers that can set off a bout of allergic symptoms affecting the eyes. These triggers include the following:

Airborne allergens, such as pollen; house-dust mites and their faeces; mould spores; animal dander and feathers; household sprays and chemicals.

Contact allergens, such as cosmetics; contact lenses and their cleaning and storage solutions; paper tissues; adhesives used to attach false eyelashes; nickel in eyelash curlers.

Ingested allergens in food, although these always cause other symptoms elsewhere in the body at the same time.

Eye Allergy Relief and Treatment Information

Seek medical advice, unless you are certain of the diagnosis. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe steroid drops, but using these requires close medical supervision. Antihistamine drops are safer, but you may start to react to the constituents of any eye drops. You can also take antihistamines by mouth, and/or homeopathic medicines.

Identify your allergens and avoid them whenever possible. They may be obvious, for example, symptoms may start after you change your eye make-up or seasonal, being caused by, for instance, grass pollen. If they are not obvious, you may need to use skin patch tests, ask your doctor to arrange skin prick tests. Homeopathic desensitization or neutralization are potential options when avoidance is impossible.