Plus, the Difference Between Pink Eye and Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergy season is upon us and it doesn’t just cause a runny nose. It can make your eyes itchy too. Itchy eyes due to allergies is known as allergic conjunctivitis. While it is annoying and uncomfortable, there are some easy ways you can treat spring eye allergies.
What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation of the tissue of the inside of your eyelids and the white part of the eyeball. This itchy and inflammatory reaction is caused by allergens and irritants getting into your eyes, like pollen, dust, and mold. There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis: This form of conjunctivitis is associated with seasonal allergies and usually occurs during the spring and summer months, and sometimes during the fall. Exposure to pollen, grass, and other airborne allergens can irritate your eyes and lead to this seasonal form of allergic conjunctivitis.
Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis: This form of allergic conjunctivitis persists throughout the year and is triggered by indoor allergens, including animal dander, dust, and mold spores.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Some of the common symptoms you can experience with allergic conjunctivitis include:
- Intense itching of eyes and the urge to rub eyes
- Red eyes
- Watery or white, stringy mucus discharge
- Swollen eyelids
These symptoms may also be accompanied by nasal symptoms, like a runny or itchy nose, or sneezing.
Allergies vs. Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is more commonly known as Pink Eye and is a viral infection of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that covers the inside of eyelids, as well as the white part of the eyeball. Because the symptoms are similar, allergic conjunctivitis is often confused with pink eye. These similar symptoms include redness, watery discharge, and a gritty feeling or foreign body sensation.
However, there are some key differences:
- Intense itching of the eyes is a symptom commonly only associated with eye allergies.
- Pink eye is caused by a viral infection and often spreads from one eye to the other, while allergies affect both eyes at once.
- Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) is highly contagious while allergic conjunctivitis is non-contagious.
Your doctor will be able to distinguish between these two conditions by examining your eyes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Your doctor will be able to diagnose you with eye allergies by reviewing your symptoms and doing an eye examination. Specific blood tests or skin tests may be required to diagnose or identify the specific allergens causing your reaction. This can help you better avoid those allergens, thereby lessening your symptoms and discomfort.
Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis often includes anti-allergy eye drops or oral medications, both over-the-counter or prescription. An alternative to allergy shots is allergy immunotherapy, known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This immunotherapy works by exposing the patient to small doses of an allergen and is gradually increased over time to help lower sensitivity and increase immunity (tolerance) to the allergen.
Other measures you can take to help relieve eye allergy discomfort or lessen your exposure include:
- Using a cold compress to help lessen irritation
- Using artificial tears to help keep your eyes moist
- Avoiding allergens when possible
- Washing your face after exposure to environmental allergens such as dust or pollen
- Frequent washing of clothes to remove allergens
- Bathing or showering before bedtime to remove allergens from your body
- Keeping contact lenses and case clean and changing your contact solution daily (this will help you avoid trapping allergens between your eye and your contact lens)
Key Takeaways
Allergic conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as eye allergies, is uncomfortable and can affect your daily life. But there are things you can do to lessen your exposure to allergens and reduce your discomfort when symptoms arise. Your doctor may also prescribe using over-the-counter or prescription treatments for your allergic conjunctivitis.
Have itchy and uncomfortable eyes? Schedule an appointment with Black Diamond Eye Care today! We can help you find the right treatments for your allergic conjunctivitis.
