Allergic Conjunctivitis

• One of the most common ocular immunologic disorders seen in ophthalmologic practice.
• Usually due to immediate hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of airborne allergens such as; pollens from grass, weeds, and ragweed.

Clinical Features

• Acute, recurrent, transient, and self-limiting condition.
• May also present as perennial or chronic condition.
• Commonly have other allergic histories such as eczema, asthma or seasonal rhinitis.
• Symptoms:
  • Acute onset of itching
  • Burning sensation
  • Tearing
• Signs:
  • Red eye
  • Chemosis (conjunctival edema)
  • Lid swelling
  • Conjunctival papillary reaction
  • Watery and/or mucoid discharge

Management

• Avoid allergens, if known.
• Topical antihistamines usually helpful.
• Topical vasoconstrictor may be used.
• Topical NSAIDs usually helpful to relieve the itching.
• Topical mast cell degranulation inhibitor.
• Topical steroids may be considered when other agents have failed and in severe cases.
• Systemic antihistamines.