Allergic conjunctivitis (pink eyes) is a reaction to exposure to allergens such as pollen from grasses and trees, smoke, dust or chemicals. It is characterized by redness, itching, swelling of the clear tissue covering the white of the eye (conjunctiva) and watery discharge.

The treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is variable, depending on the severity. It may include removing the allergen if possible, cool compresses for the swelling, eye whitening or anti-allergy eyedrops, and/or allergy pills. Severe allergic conjunctivitis may warrant consultation with an allergist and possible desensitization.

The best treatment is avoiding exposure to the cause or allergen; unfortunately, this is not often practical. Discomfort can be relieved by applying cool compresses to the eyes or taking antihistamines by mouth (many of these are available over-the-counter).

If you survive the summer swim but not the summer pollen, your conjunctivitis may be caused by allergies.

“If your eye itches like a mosquito bite and you have stringy pus in your eye, most of the time that’s the sign of allergic conjunctivitis,”

says ophthalmologist J. Daniel Nelson, M.D.

“Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine will help that, and use cold, not warm, compresses. A cold compress will really relieve the itch.”

The same with many contact lens related problems, the moment you are diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis it is mandatory to stop wearing the contact lenses. It is not advisable to continue wearing contacts once you are diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis because you might develop an eye infection. Wearing your eyeglasses may help until the condition is resolved. Do not wear lenses until symptoms have gone, and for 24 hours after the last dose of any eye drop or ointment. However, your doctor or optometrist will advise if you can wear lenses with certain types of eye drops. If the lens was related to the cause of the allergy then improved lens hygiene or a change in lens type may be advised once the symptoms have settled.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis includes the following:

1. Cold compresses
2. Ocular irrigation (water or special fluids)
3. Mast-cell stabilizers
4. Topical antihistamines or anti-pruritics
5. Decongestants.

Rarely, topical steroids are necessary especially in very severe allergic response because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and prostaglandin inhibitory effect. Typically, ophthalmic or eye drops may contain a combination of the aforementioned class of drugs. However, many of these eye drops can cause burning and stinging sensations when you first put them in, but this is usually temporary and goes away in a few minutes.

Steroid eye drops are rarely needed or used. Steroids are good at reducing inflammation. However, they should only be used if other treatments fail. They are normally only used under the supervision of an eye specialist as infection and other causes of conjunctivitis need to be definitely ruled out. (Steroids can make some other eye conditions worse.)

Antihistamine pills (which many people take for their allergies) may also help. Your doctor will talk with you about which treatment is right for you.

You should also throw out any routinely used eye care products or cosmetics after developing conjunctivitis as using them after treatment may result in re-infection. Typically most cases clear up with a few days to a week.

If treated properly, the prognosis for conjunctivitis is good. Conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction should clear up once the allergen is removed. However, allergic conjunctivitis will likely recur if the individual again comes into contact with the particular allergen. If untreated or if treatment fails and is not corrected, conjunctivitis may cause visual impairment by spreading to other parts of the eye, such as the cornea.