What is allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction on the surface of
the eyes. It is a common condition that occurs when your eyes come
in contact with allergy-causing substances (allergens). Pollen,
cat dander, and smoke are examples of allergens.
How does it occur?
The allergens may be in the air, such as smoke or plant pollen. Or
they might be on your hands and get into your eyes when you touch
your eyes.
When your eyes are repeatedly exposed to allergens, the body
reacts and produces antibodies. When allergens in the air contact
antibodies on the eye, an allergic reaction begins. The eye
releases chemicals, including one called histamine. These
chemicals cause the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms may include:
- itchy eyes
- watering eyes
- red eyes
- eyelid swelling
Sometimes skin around the eyes is red and scaly. Many people have
more severe symptoms in certain seasons such as the spring or
fall.
Both eyes are usually affected unless just one eye came into
contact with the allergen, as might happen with poison ivy.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and check
your eyes. Your family medical history may also be helpful.
How is it treated?
The first choice for treatment is to avoid the allergy-causing
substance(s).
Cool compresses (cool moist washcloths) on your closed eyelids
several times a day may help relieve the symptoms. Artificial
tears eyedrops may soothe the eyes and wash away allergy-causing
particles from the surface of the eye.
Some people need to take antihistamine or anti-inflammatory pills,
especially if they have other allergy symptoms. If you have only
eye symptoms, eyedrops alone may relieve your symptoms.
Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory eyedrops can both be used.
Some require a prescription from your healthcare provider. Some
drops may need to be used everyday in order for them to work.
Others can be used only as you need them.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need to see an allergist and
have tests to see what you are allergic to. Then you may be able
to get specific treatment, such as allergy shots, for the things
that cause your allergy symptoms.
How long will the effects last?
The symptoms may last as long as the allergen is around, whether
it's spring pollen or cat dander in a carpet. If you started
having allergic reactions when you were a child and have continued
to have them as an adult, you may have them the rest of your life.
It is possible, however, to develop an allergy, including allergic
conjunctivitis, at any time in life.
Sometimes a bacterial eye infection develops in addition to the
allergic conjunctivitis. This may happen because bacteria got into
your eyes when you scratched or rubbed them.
How can I help prevent allergic conjunctivitis?
Often there is no way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis. You can
try to lessen your symptoms by limiting your exposure to
allergens. For example, avoid going outside when pollen counts are
highest or when the wind is blowing allergens through the air. Use
air conditioning rather than opening windows. Talk to your
provider about other ways you can help prevent this problem.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.