Allergies are related to the following eye diseases: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjuctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and contact allergy.

SEASONAL ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

· most common form of eye allergy

· often associated with hay fever

· most commonly caused by grass, tree, and weed pollen

· symptoms tend to occur seasonally, usually the same time each year, and affect both eyes

PERENNIAL ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

· eye symptoms occur year-round, and usually to a milder degree

· most often related to animal dander, mold, and house dust mite

ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

· associated with atopic dermatitis of the face and eyelids

· symptoms are similar to those of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, but frequently include burning of the eyes and a stringy, ropey discharge

· occurs most often in late teens and early 20s, usually in patients with a history of allergic rhinitis, or asthma

GIANT PAPILLARY CONJUNCTIVITIS
· associated with the use of contact lenses

· symptoms include mild itching and redness, but can also be associated with slight  blurring of vision

VERNAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

· typically occurs in childhood, more often in boys, and more during spring and summer

· symptoms include intense itching, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, twitching of the eyelids, and a stringy, ropey discharge

· if left untreated, scarring of the cornea can occur, leading to vision loss

· can occur in both allergic and non-allergic people

CONTACT ALLERGY

· most commonly, results from repeated exposure to cosmetics, and eye preparations

· symptoms include intense redness, itching, and frequently swelling of the eyelids

· Don’t rub your eyes! If itching occurs, either rinse them with water or use a cold, wet compress.

· Only use medication if directed by your physician

· Use of contact lenses usually worsens the problem.

· Do not overuse decongestant eye drops. They can worsen the problem.

TREATMENT: see MANAGEMENT OF ALLERGIC DISORDERS

• orally: only partially effective, less so than for allergic rhinitis

• topically: works well for itching with rapid onset of action

· topical vasoconstrictors

• decreases redness of eyes

• often causes burning of eyes

· topical mast cell stabilizers

•  most effective when used preventatively and routinely

· topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs

•  works well for itching

· topical corticosteroids

• reserved for the most severe cases

• most effective eye drop

• can lead to glaucoma and cataracts