Allergic Conjunctivitis

What is allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction on the surface of the eyes. This is caused when your eyes come in contact with substances called allergens that the body treats as harmful. Pollen, cat dander, cosmetics, 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.

If your eyes have been exposed to allergens more than once, the body reacts and produces antibodies. An allergic reaction starts when allergens in the air contact antibodies on the eye. The eye releases chemicals such as histamine. Histamine causes the eyes to itch, swell, and produce more tears than is normal.

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 the spring or fall. You may have other allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing.

Both eyes are usually affected unless just one eye came into contact with the allergen. This 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 substances, if you know them.

Putting a cool moist washcloth on your closed eyes 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 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. If you have symptoms such as thick discharge, painful sensitivity to light, or decreased vision, contact your health care provider.

How can I help prevent allergic conjunctivitis?

Often there is no way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis. There are some ways to lessen your symptoms.

• Stay away from trees and grasses as much as you can in the pollen season.
• Keep doors and windows shut in the pollen season.
• Use an air conditioner, if you have one, in your house and car.

Talk to your provider about other ways you can help prevent this problem.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File alli4209.htm Release 13/2010