Some people can have swollen eyelids from hay fever or allergic conjunctivitis. It occurs when the membrane covering the eyes and inner eyelids becomes red, irritated, and itchy. These symptoms are an allergic reaction to a harmful substance such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
How do you get rid of swollen eyes from hay fever?
You can usually treat allergic conjunctivitis at home with antihistamines, cold compresses, and eye drops. Your eye care provider may recommend allergy shots if your symptoms are severe.
Hay fever is a common eye problem and usually lasts from spring to autumn. It affects around eighteen million people in the UK. Read more to learn about swollen eyelids from hay fever including symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.
Antihistamines
These medicines are used to reduce irritation and allergic symptoms. Antihistamines minimize the effects of histamine such as itching and redness.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress helps to reduce symptoms of allergic reactions and gives comfort to your eyes.
Eye Drops
Decongestant eye drops, lubricating eye drops, and steroid eye drops are available as over-the-counter and help to reduce the dryness and itchiness of the eyes. But if you wear contact lenses then do not use decongestant eye drops for more than five days because they can make your eyes dry.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
In case of severe symptoms, the doctor will inject small amounts of allergens to increase your resistance to them. This treatment takes 3 to 5 years to show its full effect.
How to manage Hay fever
By following the below steps you can manage your hay fever
Stay Indoors
Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high. Keep surfaces clean with a damp duster. Avoid going out in the evening and mid-morning.
Wear Sunglasses
Use sunglasses when going outside. The wraparound style offers more protection from pollen and dust.
Do not wear Contact Lenses
Avoid the use of contact lenses when the pollen count is high.
Change your clothes and take a shower regularly
Allergens can get into your clothes when you’re outside, so change your clothes and take a shower regularly.
Rinse your eyes
Rinse your eyes regularly with a dedicated eye wash to remove dust and pollen from the surface of your eyes.
Use petroleum jelly
Apply petroleum jelly to your nostrils, this will trap pollen.
Do not smoke
Do not smoke and avoid from smoke.
Hay fever/Allergic conjunctivitis Symptoms
- Itchy and burning eyes
- Puffy eyelids
- Swollen Eyelids
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Red eyes
- The blood vessels widened in the clear tissue covering the white of the eye.
Risk Factors
If someone in your family has allergic conjunctivitis, you are also likely to have it. Researchers have also linked allergic conjunctivitis with other allergic health conditions such as:
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Dry eye syndrome
- Vernal conjunctivitis
Symptoms usually go away with treatment, but if you are constantly exposed to the allergen and the outer surface of the eye is swollen for a long time, you may develop chronic allergies and asthma. This is called vernal conjunctivitis and is very common in young men.
