Allergic Pink Eye Symptoms

Allergic pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is caused by a reaction to an environmental allergy or a foreign object in the eye. When you have pink eye, the white of the eye turns pink. Allergic pink eye is not contagious because it is caused by an individual's allergy to pollens or other environmental irritants.

Types

• Allergic pink eye usually occurs due to seasonal allergic reactions to pollen and plants. Sufferers may notice that both eyes are affected with allergic pink eye instead of just one. Common substances that cause allergic pink eye are: grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, dust mites, soaps, chlorine, air pollutants or smoke.

  Allergic Papillary conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction to a foreign body in the eye. The foreign body in the eye could be contact lenses, make-up or eye drops. An allergic reaction occurs in the eye that causes pink eye.

Red, Swollen, Painful Eyes

• One of the first symptoms is the white of the eye appearing pink or reddish. Eyes may appear blood shot with red lines on the white part. This happens when the conjunctiva (the thin transparent layer on the eyeball and under the eyelid) becomes inflamed. It may feel like there is sand in the eyes. This gritty feeling is caused by the inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Itchy and Watery

• Eyes may become itchy, swollen, puffy and watery, as if you are constantly crying. Hay fever or an allergy to pollen can cause itchy, watery eyes, and pink eye may be triggered by the allergy you already have.

Discharge from Eyes and Sensitivity to Light

• Rarely, with allergic pink eye, there could be a thick yellow or white discharge from the eye. This is common with contagious pink eye, but not allergic pink eye. Eyes may be sealed shut when waking in the morning because the discharge glues the eyelashes together. If this happens, antibiotics may be needed to clear the pink eye infection. Another common symptom is a sensitivity to bright lights. In addition, eyes may be sensitive and burn.

Doctors Evaluation of Symptoms

• If you suspect you have allergic pink eye, go to your doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor needs to determine what is causing the allergic pink eye symptoms. If it is contact lenses, you will need to wear glasses while finding replacement contact lenses you are not allergic to. You may need to switch make-up or discontinue using it. Your doctor may have you undergo allergy testing to find out what is causing your pink eye.