Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition that affects the eyes and this usually happens when you are allergic to things that irritate your eyes.

When your eyes are exposed to the allergen, they may become red, itchy and watery.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens that come in contact with the eyes.

When allergens, which are substances that cause an allergic reaction, come into contact with your eyes, your immune system would treat them as foreign substances and release large amounts of chemicals. This causes inflammation of the eyes and leads to the symptoms.

Examples of common allergens include:

• Dust mites
• Dust or wood dust
• Animal or pet fur
• Pollen

The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis can include the following:

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Increased amount of tears
• Itchy eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids

Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated in the following ways and you can approach your pharmacist to get the following medications.

• Eye drops containing decongestants
• Mast cell stabilizer eye drop (e.g. Sodium Cromoglycate eye drop)
• Antihistamines eye drop (e.g. Olopatadine eye drop)

Although allergic conjunctivitis can be treated without a doctor’s consultation, there are times where the condition might be more serious.

If your condition does not get better in 3 days or gets worse, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Change in vision
• Pain in the eyes
• Crusting of the eyelids
• Pus or discharge from your eyes

Other than using medications to treat the condition, allergic conjunctivitis can also be managed by the following methods:

• Avoid the allergens
• Don’t touch or rub the affected eye
• Wear glasses instead of contact lenses to reduce irritation to the eye
• Place a cool compress over the affected eye to soothe it