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Allergic conjunctivitis

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Irritation of the eye as a result of the body's overreaction to substances such as dust, pollen, animal hair, medicines, etc.

Symptoms include red eyes, itching, tearing and sometimes a burning sensation in the eye. Both eyes are usually affected.

Diagnosis is made clinically by questioning and ocular examination. If the eyelid is affected (papillary conjunctivitis), small lumps may be seen on the inner edge of the eyelid.

The triggering cause must be avoided and the itching can be relieved with moisturising 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

    Watery eye discharge

    Red eye due to blood vessels

    Both eyes red

Symptoms to watch out for

Symptom persistence for more than two weeks after the initial treatment
Loss of vision
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing the eyes.
Use artificial or antihistaminic drops for the eyes.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Discontinue the use of contact lenses.
Minimise exposure to pollen by staying indoors.
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