Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the protective outer covering of the eye and eyelid, called the conjunctiva, becomes swollen and inflamed due to allergens or irritants.

What are eye allergy symptoms?

When you have eye allergies, the mast cells lining the conjunctiva release histamine when exposed to allergens and irritants. Those allergens and irritants cause the conjunctiva to swell and symptoms of eye allergies to occur.

Common symptoms include:

• red, irritated, teary and itchy eyes
• burning
• eyelid swelling
• blurred vision
• sensitivity to

Hot, dry weather dries out the eyes and makes eye allergy symptoms worse.

What can cause eye allergies?

Allergens and irritants can cause allergic conjunctivitis. Environmental triggers of eye allergies include:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Pet dander

Irritants that cause eye allergies include:

• Cigarette smoke
• Cosmetics
• Perfume
• Contact lenses
• Contact lens solution

Information from: Allergy & Asthma Network website, https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/eye-allergies-conjunctivitis/