Allergic Conjunctivitis: Your GoodRx Guide

Definition

Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye condition that causes inflammation of the clear lining over the eye (conjunctiva). 

This inflammation is triggered by environmental exposures, just like allergic rhinitis (hay fever). 

Allergic conjunctivitis is very common. Studies estimate that up to 1 in 4 people experience allergic conjunctivitis. You’re more likely to develop allergic conjunctivitis if you also have eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.  

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Causes

Allergic conjunctivitis can be triggered by exposure to certain things in the environment like:

• Tree pollen

• Grass pollen

• Animal dander

• Dust mites

• Cigarette smoke

• Chemicals in perfumes and detergents

Some or all of these things may trigger your symptoms. Depending on your triggers, you can experience allergic conjunctivitis symptoms only during certain times of the year (seasonal allergies) or all year round. 

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Symptoms

The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include eye:

• Redness

• Itching

• Watering (increased tears)

• Burning

• Watery discharge

You may also notice:

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) 

• A feeling like there’s something in your eye 

• Blurry vision

Most people experience these symptoms in both eyes. Also, many people who experience allergic conjunctivitis also experience allergic rhinitis symptoms at the same time. So you may also notice runny nose, congestion, and sneezing along with your eye symptoms. 

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Diagnosis

Your primary care provider can diagnose you with allergic conjunctivitis based on your symptoms. They’ll also perform a physical exam. Your primary care provider may also ask you to see an eye doctor for a full eye exam. They’ll do so if they aren’t sure if you have allergic conjunctivitis or if another eye condition is causing your symptoms. 

Medications

There’s no cure for allergic conjunctivitis. But there are several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can relieve symptoms. Options include:

• Oral antihistamines 

• Antihistamine eye drops 

• Mast cell stabilizer eye drops 

Antihistamine eye drops can relieve symptoms, but the results may only last a few hours. Mast cell stabilizer eye drops provide longer-lasting results. Many people opt for combination antihistamines and mast cell stabilizer eye drops. These offer the combined benefits of both types of medications. Popular options include:

• Alaway (ketotifen 0.025%)

• Clear Eyes Once Daily Eye Allergy Itch Relief (olopatadine 0.2%)

• Extra Strength Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.7%)

• Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.2%)

• Pataday Twice A Day Relief (olopatadine 0.1%)

• Zaditor (ketotifen 0.025%)

Some of these medications require a prescription, but others are available OTC. 

If you have severe inflammation, your eye doctor may recommend steroid eye drops. You’ll need close follow-up while using these drops because they can cause side effects like increased eye pressure and cataracts. 

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Treatments

There are other treatments that can help ease allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. These treatments won’t relieve underlying inflammation. But they can help keep you comfortable while you wait for your medication to start working. Here are some options you can try:

• Cool compresses can relieve swelling and itchiness.

• Artificial tears can soothe eye dryness and wash out allergens.

• Eye drops that are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve irritation and discomfort.

• Decongestant eye drops can help relieve redness. They’re not recommended for long-term use because they can cause rebound redness when you stop using the drops. 

If you’re already taking nasal steroid sprays for allergic rhinitis, you might find that your spray also helps relieve your eye symptoms. 

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Prevention

So far, there’s no proven way to stop people from developing allergies. But there are steps you can take to lower your exposure to allergens and allergy triggers. This can help prevent allergic conjunctivitis flares and lessen symptoms, especially during seasonal peaks. Here are some steps to try:

• Wash your hands after touching or handling any animals.

• Wear sunglasses when outdoors to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.

• Change your clothes and wash your hands and face after being outdoors to remove pollen and allergens.

• Close the windows in your home and car during times when the pollen count is high.

• Avoid using window fan units, which can draw outside allergens into your home.

• Avoid rubbing and touching your eyes, which can transfer more allergens to your eyes.

• Wash bedding and other textiles that come into contact with your face at least once a week.

• Try putting “mite-proof” covers on mattresses and pillows.

• Wear a mask and eye protection when cleaning to lower your exposure to dust.

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