How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes From Allergies

If you have allergies, you know it is not unusual for those allergies to affect your eyes. The eyes can become red and itchy, and the skin around the eyes can become puffy. This eyelid swelling, along with other allergy symptoms, can be treated by identifying the cause of the allergic response and limiting exposure 2. Use of cold compresses, eye drops and oral medication may also be helpful.

Mechanism of Swelling

Puffiness of the eye happens when your immune system is exposed to an offending agent, or allergen. The allergen triggers release of histamine, which stimulates nerves around the eye and dilates blood vessels, causing swelling. Histamine release is typically associated with an intense itchy sensation. Treatment of eye puffiness is geared toward limiting exposure to the offending agent, blocking histamine effects or preventing histamine release 2.

Stopping Exposure

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Sometimes it is difficult to identify what is causing an allergic response. Keeping a journal documenting your symptoms and what you are exposed to at the time of your symptoms can be helpful for identifying triggers. For example, you may note that your eyes become swollen and itchy when visiting a friend who owns a dog. You may note eye swelling when using a certain nail polish or perfume. Avoiding exposure to allergy triggers is the first step in preventing allergic reactions. Sometimes the cause is not obvious, especially if you suffer from allergies all year or seasonally. Allergy testing and treatment -- in addition to avoidance -- is often needed with these situations 2.

Surface Treatment

Applying a cold compress can reduce eye puffiness. Refrigerated artificial tears applied to the eyes a few times daily can also help alleviate eyelid swelling. If these self-help remedies fail, your eye-care professional can recommend other treatments. She may suggest medicated antihistamine eye drops. Steroid eye drops are also commonly used to control allergy symptoms. Most of these medications can be used as needed, meaning only when symptoms flare up.

Systemic Treatment

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If allergic symptoms persist, your eye doctor may recommend you also see an allergist, who will run tests to identify all the agents that trigger an allergic response. He will work in conjunction with your eye doctor to reduce or eliminate your allergy symptoms, including those involving your eyes. This may include starting a systemic medication, whether oral or via injections, that blocks histamine release and prevents swelling and itching from starting.