Allergic Conjunctivitis

Synonyms

Conjunctivitis; Eye allergies; Ocular allergies; Perennial allergic conjunctivitis; “Pink eye”; Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Definition

Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergic exacerbation (Bielory and Friedlaender 2008)

Etiology

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by external allergens that come into contact with the eye (Haq et al. 2012). Allergens can include environmental exposure or medications applied directly to the eye. Examples include pollen, dusts, molds, spores, animal dander, cosmetics, industrial chemicals, eye drops (e.g., artificial tears), glaucoma drops, and ointments.

Allergic conjunctivitis can present acutely, seasonally, or perennially.

Acute presentations are triggered by a transient presentation of an allergen, e.g., animal dander. Symptoms tend to resolve within 24 h of allergen removal (Bielory and Friedlaender 2008).

Seasonal forms tend to coincide with pollen seasons varying with geography. Seasonal conjunctivitis is the most common type...