What is Allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the eyes, known as the ‘conjunctiva’.
People with allergic conjunctivitis can experience:
- Redness in both eyes
- Itching and burning of the eye and the surrounding area
- Watery eyes
- Painful eyes in direct sunlight
- Swollen eyelids
Most people with allergic conjunctivitis also have allergic rhinitis.
What causes allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by the same allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs in spring and summer and is caused by pollen exposure. This type of allergic conjunctivitis can be very noticeable and cause severe symptoms.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis occurs all year round and is usually a milder form of conjunctivitis caused by ongoing exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mould or animal dander.
Allergy testing and diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis
Your doctor will confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis based on your symptoms, test results and what they see when they look into your nose and at your eyes. A skin prick test and/or blood test results will help work out specific allergen triggers that affect you. For more information click here.
How to manage
Management of allergic conjunctivitis begins with avoiding the allergen/trigger where possible. However, even if the allergen can be avoided, many people will still need medication.
Most common forms of allergic conjunctivitis are treated with antihistamine eye drops which usually work well. Eye drops are more effective than antihistamine tablets or syrup for allergic conjunctivitis.
Rinsing the eyes with salt water (saline) drops can also help. Other types of eye drops are also used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, such as anti-inflammatory eye drops and drops to decrease the swelling of blood vessels in the eyes. Some eye drops are a combination of two different types of medicines. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor about the best treatment for you. Treating allergic rhinitis also helps treat allergic conjunctivitis.
More serious forms of allergic eye disease must be managed by specialist eye doctors and allergy specialists.
Some people need more than one medication to manage allergic rhinitis. As with asthma management, medications for allergic rhinitis can be preventer treatments (such as intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCS) and reliever treatments (such as antihistamines), while some can contain both a preventer and a reliever treatment.
Tips for managing allergic conjunctivitis
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can make symptoms worse
- Rinse your eyes with artificial tears or saline eye drops, available over-the-counter at pharmacies
- Apply a cool face cloth to relieve inflammation and discomfort
- Wear a hat and sunglasses for some protection from pollen
- Shower after coming in from outside, if pollen is a trigger
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes
Further reading
For more information visit ASCIA – Allergic Conjunctivitis
Read about allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Find out about allergic rhinitis, symptoms, treatment and more.