Eye allergy: seasonal and year-round
Itching is the symptom that separates allergy from infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to allergens in the air. Most people who have it also have allergic symptoms in the nose, which is why the condition is usually described as rhinoconjunctivitis.
The two patterns
Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a reaction to airborne pollen. It appears in spring and summer, alongside hay fever.
Perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a reaction to allergens such as house dust and animal dander. It continues throughout the year, and is both less common and generally milder than the seasonal form.
Signs and symptoms
Redness, itching, watering, and swelling of the lids. On examination, a cobblestone appearance known as papillae is seen beneath the eyelids.
Itching is the symptom that most reliably points to allergy rather than infection — and it is also the reason allergy matters beyond comfort, because persistent eye rubbing is one of the factors associated with keratoconus.
Treatment
Treatment is with anti-allergic eye drops and, where necessary, steroid drops.
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.