What are Ocular Allergies?

Ocular allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, cause inflammation of the eye membranes, or conjunctiva. They are caused by allergens, which are harmless substances such as eye drops or pollen that the body treats as harmful invaders.

Causes

• Allergies are an overreaction of the body's defense system, which produces histamines. The purpose of allergic reactions is to remove the allergen from the body.

Common Allergens

• Ocular allergies can be caused by direct contact with a substance such as eye drops. Airborne allergies are reactions to pollen, dust, mold spore, and other airborne substances that commonly cause nasal allergies.

Types

• Allergic conjunctivitis can be acute, taking place over a short period of time due to an increase in allergens, such as during pollen season. Chronic conjunctivitis takes place over a long period during continual exposure to allergens.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of ocular allergies are itchy, red, watery eyes. Rare, severe symptoms include discharge, vision problems and sensitivity to light.

Treatment

• The best treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid exposure to the allergens. Common medications include vascoconstrictors, which shrink swollen blood vessels in the eyes, and antihistimines.