Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered when airborne allergens irritate the thin membrane lining your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. This membrane is called the “conjunctiva.” Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Red, itching, burning or watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Sensitivity to light

Symptoms can be mild or severe. They usually happen in both eyes, but one eye might feel worse.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal or year-round, depending on whether the allergen is present all the time. Tree, grass and weed pollens are common seasonal triggers. In the Northwest, tree pollen is highest from mid-February to late April. Grass pollens are high from May to mid-September, while weed pollens peak between May and mid-October. (Source: UpToDate.)

Year-round allergens tend to be indoor – dust, animal dander, and mold. Other triggers for allergic conjunctivitis include smoke and perfume. If you’re allergic to certain foods, conjunctivitis could be part of your reaction. 

Getting Help for Allergic Conjunctivitis

It might seem like rubbing your eyes will erase the itch, but don’t be tempted. It can actually make things worse. Instead, you can: 

• Use over-the-counter artificial tears, such as GenTeal® or Refresh Tears®. Some people are allergic to the preservatives used in artificial tears – to be on the safe side, ask your eye doctor for a recommendation.
• Try antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen (Alaway™, Zaditor® and other brands). When your eyes react to an allergen, they produce a substance called “histamine” that causes redness and itching. Ramping down histamine production can relieve symptoms.
• Put a cool compress – like a washcloth soaked in cool water – over your eyes for temporary relief. Use a fresh washcloth each time.
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as fexofenadine (Allegra®), loratadine (Claritin®, Alavert®) or cetirizine (Zyrtec®). At night, you can try diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) – it can make you sleepy, so take it just before going to sleep.

Ask your eye doctor which over-the counter treatments are best for you. Your doctor might also prescribe eye drops that relieve symptoms.

For seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, limit pollen exposure by:

• Staying inside, especially at peak pollen times – mid-morning and early evening – and when it’s breezy.
• Wearing sunglasses when you go out. They shield your eyes from some airborne allergens and protect against damaging ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Running the air conditioning in your house or car. Keep windows closed, and don’t use window fans – they suck allergens inside.

If allergic conjunctivitis symptoms last longer than two or three weeks, see your eye doctor. You could have a different problem, or a prescription treatment could help.

Do I Have Dry Eyes?

Some people with allergic conjunctivitis don’t make enough tears to wash out allergens. Having dry eyes can make symptoms worse. Only an eye doctor can tell if dry eyes are part of your problem. He or she can also make sure allergic conjunctivitis is the real cause of symptoms and recommend the best treatments for you. If you have severe dry eyes or you’re allergic to the preservatives in some over-the-counter products, your doctor might recommend prescription eye drops.

Wondering if you have dry eyes? In our next post, you can learn more about this common condition and your treatment options.

Millions of people in the U.S. don’t get regular eye exams or the care they need to keep their eyes healthy. Why? Here’s what we’ve heard:

• I don’t wear glasses or contacts, so I don’t need my eyes checked.”
• “No one in our family has eye problems.”
• “I don’t have vision insurance.”
• “My eyes have been bothering me, but I’m not sure where to go.”

Many eye diseases, including amblyopia (lazy eye) in children and glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration in adults, cause no symptoms at first. Without regular dilated eye exams, you or your family members could suffer permanent vision loss or even blindness. A dilated eye exam allows your eye doctor to see inside the entire eye to check for problems. It does not hurt and can save your sight. Plus, you get those fancy disposable sunglasses to wear home.  

So how often do you need a dilated eye exam? It might be less often than you think. 

In your 20s:       At least 1 exam
In your 30s:       At least 2 exams
Adults 40 to 54:        Every 2 to 4 years
Adults 55 to 64:       Every 1 to 3 years
Adults 65 and up:       Every 1 to 2 years

Check our eye exam guide to learn when you and other family members need your eyes checked.

With summer activities and travel coming up, May is the perfect time to make sure your eyes are at their best. Celebrate Healthy Vision Month by:

• Scheduling a general eye exam for each member of your family, including your kids, spouse or partner and even your parents. Their eyes will thank you!
• Giving Mom the gift of better vision for Mother’s Day. Make an eye appointment for your mother, grandmother, mother-in-law or someone close to you. Help her get to the appointment, if necessary. If she needs glasses, help her pick out new frames
• Making sure everyone in your family has sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection for summer sports and activities.
• Wearing protective eyewear when you work around the house and yard, or at work if necessary. Ask your eye doctor or optician about your options for safety and good vision.

Learn more with free eye health and vision info from the National Eye Institute:

• What happens at a dilated eye exam?
• Healthy eyes at 40, 50 – and beyond
• Fun eye facts for kids
• Financial help for eye exams and glasses

How much do you know about eye health? 

At Oregon Eye Specialists, our goal is to be that kind of resource for you. Our doctors specialize in all types of eye care and treat patients of all ages.Through this blog, they will share their knowledge and give answers to questions on a variety of eye care topics. In the blog entries, we’ll also point you to the most reliable online resources for eye care information.

Of course, your appointment is a good time to talk with your doctor about specific concerns. But we hope our blog is another place you look for information on eye care, eye diseases and conditions and the latest developments in eyewear styles and technology. We will update the Oregon Eye Specialists blog regularly, so check back often to see what we’re talking about.

Our physicians’ technical skill, broad experience and compassion combine with advanced technology to give you the healthiest eyes and best vision possible. In this blog, Oregon Eye Specialists shares that skill, experience and compassion with you. We believe patient education and good communication with your doctor are the keys to improving your vision … and your life.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our blog, and please come back often.