Allergic conjunctivitis develops when the immune system overreacts to certain trigger. For example pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, or mold spores. These allergens come into contact with the surface of the eye and trigger an inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva.
Common symptoms are itchy, red, watery eyes, sometimes accompanied by swollen eyelids and a burning sensation or the feeling of a foreign body in the eye. Many people also have hay fever symptoms at the same time, such as a runny nose or sneezing.
Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, the allergic form is not contagious.
Anti-allergy eye drops are often used for treatment, such as antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. Cool compresses can provide additional relief.
It is important to avoid the trigger as much as possible—for example by using pollen filters, airing out rooms at suitable times, or washing your hair before going to bed.
If symptoms are more severe or persistent, an ophthalmologic evaluation and, if necessary, an allergy assessment should be carried out.