If your eyes often become red, itchy and watery without any injury or infection, especially along with sneezing or a runny nose, you may have allergic conjunctivitis. It is very common in people with nasal allergy and asthma. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains how to recognise it and treat it safely.

What is allergic conjunctivitis? It is inflammation of the thin, clear layer covering the white of the eye (the conjunctiva), caused by an allergic reaction. It is not an infection and does not spread to others.

Common symptoms:

• Itching, the most typical sign
• Redness in both eyes
• Watery eyes
• Mild swelling of the eyelids
• Burning or a gritty feeling
• Often occurring with sneezing, runny nose or nasal allergy

Common triggers: dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould, smoke, air pollution, and sometimes cosmetics or eye make-up.

Allergy or eye infection? Allergic conjunctivitis usually causes itching, affects both eyes, and produces a watery discharge. Infective conjunctivitis (“eye flu”) more often causes a sticky, thick or yellow discharge, may start in one eye, spreads to others, and itching is less prominent.

Treatment:

• Don’t rub your eyes, as it makes itching and redness worse
• Apply a cool compress for comfort
• Use anti-allergic eye drops prescribed by your doctor
• Identify and avoid triggers; wash your face and eyes with clean water after being outdoors
• Treating the associated nasal allergy often helps the eyes too

Avoid steroid eye drops without an eye specialist’s advice. Some eye drops sold over the counter contain steroids. They give quick relief, but without proper supervision they can raise eye pressure (glaucoma), cause cataracts, and worsen certain eye infections, which can permanently harm vision.

See an eye specialist immediately if you have:

• Eye pain, not just itching
• Blurred vision or reduced vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Thick yellow or green discharge
• Redness in only one eye, or after an injury
• Symptoms while wearing contact lenses

These can be signs of conditions other than allergy that need urgent treatment.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com