Common Signs Your Eyes Are Affected by Allergies

Do your eyes feel itchy, red, or uncomfortable, especially during certain times of the year? You might blame it on lack of sleep, dry air, or screen time. Sometimes, that is true. But if it keeps happening, eye allergies may be the cause.

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, are common. Millions deal with them. The symptoms often mimic other eye issues. How do you know if allergies are the cause?

Here are the most common signs.
 

The Itch That Will Not Quit

This is the big one. If your eyes itch, allergies are often to blame. It is a deep, nagging itch that makes you want to rub and rub. Unlike dry eye, which might feel gritty or scratchy, an allergy itch is unmistakable. It is your body releasing histamine, begging for relief.
 

Redness That Comes and Goes

Allergies cause the blood vessels in the eyes to swell, resulting in a pink or red appearance. Redness may worsen after being outside or dusting. If eyes are red without gooey discharge, allergies are likely the cause.
 

Constant Tearing or Watery Eyes

Allergies can make your eyes water excessively. Your eyes try to flush out allergens, such as pollen or dander. If you dab away tears, note when it happens. Does it worsen with open windows or after handling a pet? That is a clue.
 

Burning or Stinging Sensation

Along with itching, you might feel a burning or stinging feeling. It can be mild or strong. This happens because the surface of your eye becomes irritated by whatever it comes into contact with. It is different from the burn of getting soap in your eye; it is more of a low-grade, steady irritation.
 

Puffy or Swollen Eyelids

When allergens trigger an immune response, your body reacts with inflammation. That can cause your eyelids to look puffy or swollen. You might wake up looking like you did not sleep well, even if you got eight full hours. The puffiness is fluid building up in the thin skin around your eyes.
 

Sensitivity to Light

Some people with eye allergies find bright light uncomfortable. It may not be severe, but you might squint more than usual. Your eyes are telling you they are irritated.
 

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If these symptoms seem familiar, you do not have to keep suffering. There are some simple things you can try.

First, pay attention to when your eyes start to bother you. Is it during pollen season, after you clean, or when you are near certain animals? Noticing patterns can help you figure out the cause.

Second, try not to rub your eyes. It might feel good for a moment, but rubbing actually makes things worse by releasing more histamine and causing more irritation.

For quick relief, reach for a cold compress. Soak a soft cloth in cool water, squeeze out the excess, and place it gently over your shut eyes. The chill helps reduce itching and swelling around your eyes.

Over-the-counter allergy eye drops can also help. Choose drops that are made to relieve itching, not just redness. If those do not help, your doctor can prescribe something stronger.

Your eyes should not have to feel itchy and irritated all the time. Infinity Vision Optometry in Tulare, California, is here to help you find relief. Pick up the phone and call (559) 688-5020 to schedule a visit.

https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/eye-allergy/

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-eye-allergies