What is it?

Allergic eye or conjunctivitis often occurs seasonally, just like sneezing for some people, but it can also be caused by something that has come into contact with the eye or skin area around the eye.

Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis?

• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or Hay Fever – common and mild.

• Perennial allergic conjunctivitis – year round or  if ‘come into contact with something’.

• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis – associated with skin atopy/allergy. Chronic/severe.

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis – onset is in child and teenage years. Chronic/severe

signs & symptoms

The tell-tale sign of allergic eye/conjunctivitis is itch. The eye will be watery with a  discharge that is stringy. The conjunctiva will make the eye appear pink or red, with swelling/puffing of the conjunctiva and eye lids.

In general allergic conjunctivitis is very common and not sight threatening. There are some rare forms of allergy called Vernal keratoconjunctivitis and Atopic keratoconjunctivitis, with have more severe symptoms and can cause blinding complications (see your optometrist for diagnosis).

Treatment

Upon consultation with your optometrist they will determine the severity of your allergic reaction.

The most common course of treatment is anti-allergy medication eye drops. These are safe and effective. Because they are a drop they don’t have side effects of tiredness like tablets. In conjunction with this, cool compress and cool preservative free eye drops are often advised.

If your allergy is more severe, your optometrist can consider stronger anti-inflammatory eye drops, or decide if referral to an allergy specialist ophthalmologist is required.

Synopsis

• Common cause of pink eyes.

• Allergy causes itchy eyes.

• Consult optometrist to determine severity.