Learn About Allergic Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes swollen or inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.
Conjunctivitis - allergic seasonal/perennial; Atopic keratoconjunctivitis; Pink eye - allergic
When your eyes are exposed to allergens (which cause allergies), a substance called histamine is released by your body. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen. The eyes can become red, itchy, and teary very quickly.
The pollens that cause symptoms vary from person to person and from area to area. Tiny pollens that may cause allergic symptoms include grasses, ragweed and trees. These same pollens may also cause hay fever.
Your symptoms may be worse when there is more pollen in the air. Higher levels of pollen are more likely on hot, dry, windy days. On cool, damp, rainy days most pollen is washed to the ground.
Mold, animal dander, or dust mites may cause this problem also.
Allergies tend to run in families. It is hard to know exactly how many people have allergies. Many conditions are often lumped under the term "allergy" even when they might not truly be an allergy.
Symptoms may be seasonal and can include:
- Intense itching or burning eyes
- Puffy eyelids, most often in the morning
- Red eyes
- Stringy eye discharge
- Tearing (watery eyes)
- Widened blood vessels in the clear tissue covering the white of the eye
The best treatment is to avoid what causes your allergy symptoms as much as possible. Common triggers to avoid include dust, mold and pollen.
Some things you can do to ease symptoms are:
- Use lubricating eye drops.
- Apply cool compresses to the eyes.
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Take over-the-counter oral antihistamines or antihistamine or decongestant eye drops. These medicines can offer more relief, but they can sometimes make your eyes dry. Do not use the eye drops if you have contact lenses in place. Also, do not use the decongestant eye drops for more than 5 days, as rebound congestion can occur.
If home-care does not help, you may need to see a provider for treatments such as eye drops that contain antihistamines or eye drops that reduce swelling.
Mild steroid eye drops can be prescribed for more severe reactions. You may also use eye drops that prevent a type of white blood cell called mast cells from causing swelling. These drops are given along with antihistamines. These medicines work best if you take them before you come in contact with the allergen. Referral to an ophthalmologist before using steroid eye drops should be done since intraocular pressure measurements and a more thorough eye exam (using a slit lamp) is needed.
Henry Kistler is an Ophthalmologist in Stanford, California. Dr. Kistler and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis. His top areas of expertise are Blepharitis, Meibomianitis, Dry Eye Syndrome, and Peters Plus Syndrome.
Stanford Health Care
Christopher Ta is an Ophthalmologist in Stanford, California. Dr. Ta and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis. His top areas of expertise are Pterygium, Interstitial Keratitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Corneal Transplant, and Cataract Removal.
Spectrum Eye Physicians
James Liu is an Ophthalmologist in Cupertino, California. Dr. Liu has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis. His top areas of expertise are Blepharitis, Cataract, Subconjunctival Hemorrhage, Glaucoma, and Cataract Removal.
Symptoms often go away with treatment. However, they can persist if you continue to be exposed to the allergen.
Long-term swelling of the outer lining of the eyes may occur in those with chronic allergies or asthma. It is called vernal conjunctivitis. It is most common in young males, and most often occurs during the spring and summer.
In severe cases of allergic conjunctivitis, there could be more severe inflammation. This can, rarely, affect your vision.
Contact your provider if:
- You have symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis that do not respond to self-care steps and over-the-counter treatment.
- Your vision is affected.
- You develop eye pain that is severe or becoming worse.
- Your eyelids or the skin around your eyes becomes swollen or red.
- You have a headache in addition to your other symptoms.
Summary: This study is researching 2 experimental drugs, REGN5713 and REGN5715, which are called REGN5713-5715 when mixed together (called study drug) to reduce eye allergy signs and symptoms due to birch tree pollen allergy. The aim of the study is to see how safe and effective the study drug is at lowering allergic eye signs and symptoms compared with placebo. A placebo looks like a treatment but does no...
Summary: This study is researching 2 experimental drugs, REGN1908 and REGN1909, which are called REGN1908-1909 when mixed together (called study drug) to reduce eye allergy signs and symptoms from cat allergy. The aim of the study is to see how safe and effective the study drug is at lowering allergic eye signs and symptoms compared with placebo. A placebo looks like a treatment but does not contain any re...
Published Date: July 22, 2024
Published By: Deborah Pedersen, MD, MS, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.
Rubenstein JB, Patel P. Allergic conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.7.