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Allergic conjunctivitis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

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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 red eye(s), ocular itching, tearing and sometimes a burning sensation in the eye.

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

The cause should be avoided and the itching 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. Maria Trabazo
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Eye rubbing increases itch

    Itchy eye

    Both eyes red

    Aqueous-like eye discharge

    Eyelid glued on awakening

Symptoms to watch out for

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

Self-care

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