ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Allergic  (vernal  or  atopic)  conjunctivitis  is  an  allergy
reaction involving the surface of the eye.
If a pollen, dust or other substance  to which a person  is
allergic  lands  on  the  eye,  an  allergy  reaction  will  occur.
Allergic conjunctivitis  is often associated with hay  fever and
often only occurs at certain times of the year.

The  symptoms  include  redness,  itching,  blurred  vision
and watering of the eye. In severe cases the white of the eye
may swell dramatically and balloon out between the eyelids.
There may be a  clear,  stringy discharge  from  the eyes, as
well  as  excessive  tears,  and  if  the  lower  eyelid  is  turned
down  it appears  to be  covered with a  large number  of  tiny
red bumps. Rarely, ulceration of the eye surface may occur.
It  can  be  prevented  by  the  regular  use  of  sodium
cromoglycate  drops  throughout  the  allergy  time  of  year.
Attacks  can  be  treated  by  antihistamine  tablets  and  eye
drops  such  as  levocabastine and olopatadine. Simple eye
drops available over the counter from chemists and containing artery-constricting (vasoconstrictor) medications can
be used in milder cases. Appropriate treatment usually settles the symptoms rapidly.
See also CONJUNCTIVITIS