Allergic conjunctivitis

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It is the irritation of the eye as a consequence of an exaggerated reaction of the body to substances such as dust, pollen, animal dander, medicines, etc.

It manifests with a red eye, ocular itching, tearing and sometimes a burning sensation in the eye. In general, it affects both eyes.

Diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation and ocular examination. When the eyelid is affected (papillary conjunctivitis), small bumps are seen on the inner edge of the eyelid.

The cause should be avoided and the itching should be relieved with lubricating eye drops and antihistamines.

Bibliographic references
  1. Pedram Hamrah, MD. Reza Dana, MD, MPH, MSc. Allergic conjunctivitis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate. JJan 26, 2016.
  2. Wang HY, Pizzichini MM, Becker AB, et al. Disparate geographic prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema among adolescents in five Canadian cities. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010; 21:867.
  3. Pedram Hamrah, MD. Reza Dana, MD, MPH, MSc. Allergic conjunctivitis: Management. UpToDate. Jan 26, 2016.
  4. Bilkhu PS, Wolffsohn JS, Naroo SA, et al. Effectiveness of nonpharmacologic treatments for acute seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Ophthalmology 2014; 121:72.
  5. Pardiñas Pérez MR, Alonso Martín L, Sepúlveda Berrocal MA, Hernández de Francisco L. Ojo Rojo. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1161-1166.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Itchy eye


    Eye rubbing increases itch


    Aqueous-like eye discharge


    Red eye due to blood vessels


    Both eyes red

Symptoms to watch out for

Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment
Loss of vision
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Use of artificial tears or antihistamine eye drops.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Stop using contact lenses.
Minimize exposure to pollen by staying indoors.