Allergic Conjunctivitis

People with all forms of allergic conjunctivitis develop intense itching and burning in both eyes. Although symptoms usually affect both eyes equally, rarely one eye may be more affected than the other. The conjunctiva becomes red and sometimes swells, giving the surface of the eyeball a puffy appearance. The eyelids may become intensely itchy. Rubbing and scratching leads to eyelid skin redness, swelling, and a crinkly appearance.

With seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, there is a large amount of thin, watery discharge. At times the discharge is stringy. Vision is seldom affected. Many people have an itchy, runny nose.

With vernal keratoconjunctivitis, the eye discharge is thick, stringy, and mucuslike. Unlike other types of allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis often affects the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil), and in some people painful, small, open sores (corneal ulcers Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil) that is usually caused by an eye infection. Contact lenses, injuries, disorders, drugs, and nutritional... read more ) develop. These ulcers cause deep eye pain with exposure to bright light (photophobia) and sometimes lead to a permanent decrease in vision.

Doctors recognize allergic conjunctivitis by its typical appearance and symptoms. Tests are rarely needed or useful.

Allergic conjunctivitis treatment includes anti-allergy eye drops. Using chilled tear supplements and cold compresses and avoiding known allergens can help reduce symptoms.

Drops that have an antihistamine, such as ketotifen, may be enough for mild cases. This drug can be bought without a prescription. If ketotifen is insufficient, prescription antihistamine eye drops (such as olopatadine or cetirizine) or mast cell stabilizers (such as nedocromil) may be effective.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as ketorolac, help relieve symptoms. Corticosteroid eye drops have more potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, these eye drops should not be used for more than a few weeks without close monitoring by an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the evaluation and treatment [surgical and nonsurgical] of eye disorders) because they may cause increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma Glaucoma Glaucomas are a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive optic nerve damage (often, but not always, associated with increased eye pressure) that can lead to irreversible loss of vision... read more ), cataracts Cataract A cataract is a clouding (opacity) of the lens of the eye that causes a progressive, painless loss of vision. Vision may be blurred, contrast may be lost, and halos may be visible around lights... read more , and an increased risk of eye infections.

Antihistamines taken by mouth, such as fexofenadine, cetirizine, or hydroxyzine, may also be very helpful, especially when other areas of the body (for example, ears, nose, throat) are affected by the allergies.