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Eye Puffiness & Allergies

As is the case with all allergies, those that affect the eye are caused by an oversensitivity of the immune system, which can cause a negative allergic reaction to an otherwise harmless substance. Eye puffiness is one of the many signs of an eye allergy.

  1. Allergies

    • If your puffy, swollen eyes are caused by an allergic reaction they will probably be accompanied by itching and redness, as well as light sensitivity, mucus discharge or tearing. The two parts of the eye most susceptible to allergic reactions are the eyelids and the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the whites of the eyes. If you have eye allergies it is a good idea to visit an eye doctor, especially if you do not know their cause.

    Contact Lenses

    • An allergy to contact lenses can be slow to develop. As well as puffiness in the eye, an allergic reaction can cause mucus discharge, discomfort from wearing the contacts, redness, tearing and itching. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms you may have to decrease the time you wear lenses, replace them after a shorter period of time or develop a better lens cleaning routine. If you suffer from severe allergic reactions you may have to trade your lenses in for your old glasses or seek treatment with steroids.

    Atopic

    • Atopic allergies, such as hay fever conjunctivitis, can be seasonal or non-seasonal and are caused by a reaction to an air-born allergen. Artificial tear eye drops or soothing cool compresses are the best treatments for atopic allergies.

    Other Allergies

    • Eye allergies can also be a reaction to medication, so you should consult with your doctor to determine if this is the case. If it is, you may need to switch to a different medication. If you have puffy eyes and other signs of allergies in your eyes you might also want to switch to another make-up brand that uses different substances. Make sure you remove eye make-up before going to sleep. Another possibility if you wake up with puffy eyes in the morning is that you are allergic to the feathers in your bedding and pillows. Try using synthetic bedding.

    Other Causes

    • Other factors can also cause puffy eyes, such as a diet that is too high in sodium, dehydration and hormones. Some women also experience eye swelling in conjunction with their periods. If you wake up in the morning with puffy eyes, it may be because you spent excessive time bending over the day before, drank alcohol, did not get enough sleep or drank too much water right before bed. Try placing an eye mask, aloe cream or cucumbers under your eyes to reduce swelling.

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