Increasing pollution & constant weather change can affect our skin deeply. But, what we might not observe is that along with our skin, there is another area that requires utmost care - our eyes! Allergies are very common these days and if left untreated can cause a lot of discomfort to the eyes leading to infections lasting for several days. Some common triggers for eye allergy include indoor allergens like dust mites in household linen, deo sprays, makeup, or accumulated dust on furniture that enter the eye when they come in contact with our hands. Often accidental rubbing worsens the condition. Outdoor allergens include pollen from grass, polluted air, and cigarette smoke. Everyday exposure to these allergens happens even without us realizing. Sometimes while we are walking to work or are taking the kids to the nearby park. These allergens can lead to tearing or discharge from the eyes, itching, pain, inflammation, redness and even crusting near the tear duct. Also Read: 7 ways to protect the eyesight of your child  

Home Remedies For Eye Allergies in Kids

Here are nine of the best and simple home remedies for eye allergies in kids:

#1. Cold water

Water is said to heal all the problems in our body and the same is true even with our eyes. Procedure: Splash a glass full of clean (drinkable) cold water into your eyes. Alternatively, soak cotton/clean cloth in cold water and place it on your eyes. Cold water will not only give a soothing effect but will also help in reducing the redness and itching in the eyes.

#2. Warm compresses

Extensive exposure to dust leads to its accumulation in the eyes. Giving warm water compressions will help remove the dust particles from the eyes, hence reducing the itchiness. It also benefits people suffering from sty as warm water will help drain the septic formed in the eye. Procedure: Dip a clean cloth/cotton in warm water. Squeeze it to remove the excess water and place it on the eyes. Repeat this 8 to 10 times in one sitting. Doing this twice a day helps.

#3. Cucumber

Cucumber is high in its water content and acts as a cooling agent when eaten or applied. Procedure: Place 2 slices of cucumber on your eyes for 10 minutes. These will soothe your eyes, reduce the redness and relax your eyes for a good night’s sleep. Also Read: 5 Home Remedies for treating Stye in Baby’s Eye

#4. Salt water

A salt water eye wash is one of the best antiseptics used to instantly stop an infection from spreading further. It helps to wash away all the irritants from the affected area, disinfecting it in the process. Procedure: To prepare a saline solution, mix 1 tbsp salt in 1 cup of water and heat it until it boils. Now let the solution cool down. Once it has reached room temperature, use it to thoroughly rinse your eyes. This will take away the itching, redness, and any other eye allergy symptoms. It is a super fast and effective remedy.

#5. Tea bags

Black/Green/Chamomile tea contains bioflavonoid and tannic acid that help in reducing inflammation and itchiness. It also helps fight infections. Procedure Soak a tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. Squeeze the excess water and place the moist tea bag on your eyes for about 10-15 minutes. If there is excessive swelling on your eyes, place the tea bags in the refrigerator for a few minutes and use them cold. This will provide relief from the swelling.

#6. Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties which help to relieve the eyes from any harmful bacteria that might cause an infection. Procedure: Thoroughly mix equal amounts of honey and water (boiling the water is optional). Apply this solution in your eyes and leave it for a few minutes. You can also try putting a drop of honey directly in the eyes. This will form tears which will remove the dirt and debris from the eyes.

#7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar contains malic acid which acts as an antimicrobial agent. It helps remove the dust/ debris from the eyes and also facilitates faster recovery from conjunctivitis. Procedure Mix 1 teaspoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Dip a cotton ball in this solution and use it to wash the eyes thoroughly. Repeat this at regular intervals for few days. Also Read: Is it safe to apply kajal in your baby’s eyes?

#8. Castor Oil

Castor oil reduces the dryness in the eyes thereby inhibiting tear evaporation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce the swelling and redness of the eye. Procedure Using a dropper, put a drop of castor oil into each eye before going to sleep. This will soothe your eyes and remove the dryness. You can also use a cotton bud to spread the oil on the upper eyelid.

#9. Potato

Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C and enzymes that cool down the eyes and act as nourishing agents. Procedure Prepare a mask with grated potato and place it on the eyes for a few minutes. This will reduce the soreness and inflammation in the eyes. Apart from these remedies, it is very important to maintain the overall eye health. Drinking adequate water, removal of make-up every night, and regular cleansing of eyes will help in keeping the eyes healthy. Read more: How to identify allergies in children

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