Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever)
Definition | Symptoms | Treatment | Clinic Information
Definition
The most common type of ocular allergy is seasonal and perennial (year round) allergic conjunctivitis. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (or "hayfever conjunctivitis"), is the more common type accounting for the majority of allergic conjunctivitis cases. As its name suggests, it is related to specific pollens that spore during specific seasons. Symptoms generally include red, itchy, and watery eyes. People affected by hay fever and other seasonal allergies also experience symptoms involving the nose and throat.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is a year-round allergic condition. These allergic responses are often related to animal dander, dust, or other allergens that are present in the environment year round. Symptoms are similar to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis; however, they tend to be milder.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis generally occurs in May and June (grass pollen induced), and in August and September (ragweed pollen induced). Itching is a dominant symptom in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis, as well as watery/mucus discharge, burning, and redness.
- Swelling or puffiness of the eyes
- Redness
- Itching
- Tearing
- Mucous discharge
The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam.
Treatment
Before the advent of modern medications, treatment for allergic conjunctivitis was limited to eye washes. This would wash the allergy causing material from the eye and provide short term relief. Today, there are many treatments available for allergic conjunctivitis. They include:
- Lubricants
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Decongestant / Antihistamine combinations
- Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs)
- Steroids
Your choice of therapy will depend on the intensity of the allergic response. Since histamine causes most of the common symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis, an antihistamine or histamine blocker are effective.
Clinic Information
For more information, see the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Clinic and the complete Clinic Services listing of the U-M Kellogg Eye Center.
