Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Vision | Remedies for Red Eye

Do your eyes turn red and itchy every spring and summer? It could be allergic conjunctivitis – a treatable, but uncomfortable allergy condition.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common cause of red, itchy eyes. Although allergies are best known for causing nasal symptoms, they also can be irritating to the eyes. In allergic conjunctivitis, the affected part of the eye is the conjunctiva, the thin, elastic tissue that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Fortunately, doctors and patients have an array of therapies at their disposal to prevent or treat allergic conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by either allergies or infection. In allergic conjunctivitis, the eyes become red and itchy, with a watery, stringy, or ropelike discharge. Both eyes are usually affected. In addition, people with allergic conjunctivitis often have a history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema. Infectious conjunctivitis also leads to eye redness but is more likely to produce tearing and discharge in one or both eyes. People with these symptoms may need antibiotics and should see a doctor.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal (occurring only at specific times of the year) or perennial (occurring year-round). Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is typically caused by outdoor allergens, such as pollen, and the perennial form is usually caused by indoor allergens, such as cockroaches, dust mites, or pet dander. Skin or blood testing by an allergist can pinpoint a patient’s specific triggers.

Treatments for allergic conjunctivitis -- To prevent symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, patients should learn to avoid or limit their exposure to triggering substances. When symptoms do erupt, cold compresses on the eyes may help relieve conjunctivitis symptoms in the short term.

Medications are a mainstay of treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. Some doctors recommend using artificial tears, which provide a barrier between allergens and the eye; they also help dilute and flush out the allergens that contact the eye. Other conjunctivitis medications include:

• Antihistamine eyedrops -- for acute treatment of redness and itching
• Oral antihistamine medication -- to reduce itching
• Vasoconstrictors -- for short-term treatment of redness and swelling
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eyedrops -- for reducing symptoms in some patients
• Mast-cell inhibitors -- to treat a range of symptoms, including itching, swelling, and watery eyes

Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroid eyedrops only for severe cases of allergic conjunctivitis and only for short periods because of the risk of side effects, including cataract and elevated eye pressure, which may lead to glaucoma. For some conjunctivitis patients, allergy shots may be a useful way to prevent allergies from recurring.

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Johns Hopkins Health Alerts | Vision | Remedies for Red Eye