Ocular Allergies

What is it?

Ocular or eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are quite common. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them (called an allergen). It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye).

Although allergens differ among patients, the most common cause is hay fever.

Symptoms consist of redness, swelling of the conjunctiva, itching and increased production of tears.

How is it treated?

Treatment for ocular allergy is a straight forward process and can be as simple as avoiding the allergen (e.g. avoiding grass during the “hay fever season”). The condition can also be relieved using either topical (eye drops) or oral (tablets) antihistamines.