When allergy occurs in the eye, it is called allergic conjunctivitis. The most frequent symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are itching, watering, and redness. Many patients will also experience nasal symptoms. The first step toward relief of eye allergy is proper diagnosis.
Unlike pink eye, known as infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to allergens that get into the eye, and is not contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs in both eyes instead of in just one. Irritants can cause similar symptoms, but this is not considered an allergic reaction.
Allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to something in the environment that is normally considered harmless. Common triggers for allergic conjunctivitis include pollen from trees, grasses, weeds, animal dander, and dust mites….