Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is eye inflammation caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, pets, or dust.
About allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is eye inflammation caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, pets, or dust.
What can cause it?
Pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and other airborne allergens can inflame the conjunctiva.
Symptoms usually affect both eyes and often occur with sneezing or allergic rhinitis.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Symptoms affecting both eyes with sneezing or a runny nose
How clinicians find the cause
A clinician examines the eyes and reviews timing, triggers, contact-lens use, discharge, pain, and vision. Allergy testing may be considered when symptoms are persistent or the trigger is unclear.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment may include allergen avoidance, preservative-free artificial tears, cool compresses, and clinician-recommended antihistamine or mast-cell-stabilizing eye drops.
- 2
Antibiotic drops do not treat allergies.
- 3
Steroid eye drops should only be used under eye-clinician supervision.
Supporting recovery
- Do not rub the eyes.
- Wash hands and face after outdoor exposure and keep windows closed when pollen counts are high.
- Remove contact lenses during significant irritation and follow lens-hygiene instructions.
What to expect
Symptoms usually improve when exposure decreases and appropriate treatment is used. Seasonal symptoms may return when pollen levels rise, while year-round triggers can cause recurring irritation. Persistent or severe symptoms may need an eye-care or allergy evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and protect the eye surface.
Possible complications
- Ongoing eye irritation and disrupted sleep or daily activities
- Eye-surface injury or infection from repeated rubbing
- Corneal involvement in severe or chronic allergic eye disease, which can affect vision
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Mild symptoms may sometimes be managed with general supportive care, but a clinician should evaluate symptoms that persist, spread, become painful, or worsen.
Eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, chemical exposure, or a severe headache needs prompt medical evaluation.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Limit exposure to known allergens and reduce dust and pet dander in sleeping areas.
- Use protective glasses outdoors when appropriate.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.