Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction in your conjunctiva caused by something you're allergic to, such as pollen, mold, or dust. Your eye gets swollen, red, and itchy.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by:

• Seasonal allergies to things like mold, tree, weed, or grass pollen (you usually have symptoms in the spring or fall)

• Year-round allergies to things like dust, animal dander, or feathers (you have symptoms year-round)

There are other causes of conjunctivitis. For example, infectious conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Also, a speck of dirt, contact lens, or makeup can irritate the conjunctiva and cause conjunctivitis without there being an allergic reaction or infection.

Parts of the Eye

You’ll have:

• Itching and burning in both eyes

• Red eyes and your eyeballs may look puffy

• Watery eyes

• Itchy, runny nose

You won't have any problems seeing.

Doctors can tell based on your symptoms. Usually, no tests are needed.

Doctors will tell you to:

• Use anti-allergy eye drops

• Avoid things you're allergic to

• Use artificial tears (eye drops that act like real tears to wet the eye)

• Sometimes, use corticosteroid eye drops if symptoms are severe

If you also have other allergic symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, or itching, doctors may have you take an antihistamine by mouth.