What is allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva (the thin layer of tissue that covers the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids) becomes inflamed due to allergy-triggering factors such as dust, pet dander, pollen, mold and more.
The condition is common and affects over 20 percent of the population. Because it is so common, there are several remedies available, and it is typically easy to treat. Allergic conjunctivitis is also not contagious or infectious, unlike other types of conjunctivitis.
In order to treat allergic conjunctivitis, it’s important to eliminate the allergen that may be affecting your eyes, as the condition usually lasts as long as the specific irritant is present.
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Types
Allergic conjunctivitis can be acute (occurring due to sudden exposure to an irritant) or chronic (occurring on a long-term basis).
Acute allergic conjunctivitis
Acute allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes are suddenly exposed to an allergen or irritant. It can occur with seasonal allergies or when the eyes are exposed to an irritant such as soap, cosmetics or environmental pollutants.
Many times, acute allergic conjunctivitis is mild and can be easily treated with over-the-counter remedies. However, it can be severe in some cases. Other symptoms such as nasal congestion can also occur during a seasonal allergy flare-up.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis occurs continuously, or nearly continuously, due to ongoing exposure to allergens such as dust and pet dander. It can be more severe than acute allergic conjunctivitis.
There may be less visible inflammation with this type of allergic conjunctivitis, though burning and itching still take place. Some may also experience light sensitivity with chronic allergic conjunctivitis.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis can sometimes be confused with dry eye syndrome and other conditions, so it is important to tell your eye doctor about any allergies you have that may affect your eyes for proper diagnosis and treatment.
