Photo travelling people sports/iStock via Getty Images Plus

As the weather warms up, you may notice your eyes are itchy, red, and watery after spending time outside. If so, you're likely experiencing allergic conjunctivitis - inflammation of the clear membrane over the eye and inner lining of the eyelid. Sometimes allergic conjunctivitis occurs with other allergy symptoms, like sneezing or an itchy throat.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common cause of pink eye. But, unlike other kinds of pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis isn't contagious.

What causes allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of allergic reaction. It can be triggered by many common allergens, like the seasonal release of pollen from trees and grass. That's why some people only notice symptoms during certain times of the year.

But other allergens can cause allergic conjunctivitis year-round, including:

• Animal dander

• Dust

• Perfume

• Makeup

If you often experience itchy, watery eyes, these allergens could be triggering your symptoms.

Some people are more likely than others to develop allergic conjunctivitis. People with other allergic conditions - like asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis - are more likely to have allergic conjunctivitis.

Is allergic conjunctivitis contagious?

No, allergic conjunctivitis isn't contagious.

But the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis can be very similar to viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (sometimes called pink eye). Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. It can be hard to tell these three types of conjunctivitis apart, since they all cause similar symptoms.

You should seek medical care if you aren't sure whether you have allergic, bacterial, or viral conjunctivitis.

While you wait to see a healthcare professional, it's a good idea to avoid touching your eyes and to wash your hands frequently. This will help you avoid spreading a contagious type of conjunctivitis to your other eye and to other people.

How do you treat allergic conjunctivitis?

Home remedies can help reduce symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Try these tips if you're struggling with itchy, red eyes:

• Avoid being outside when the pollen count is high.

• Wear sunglasses when you're outside to protect your eyes from allergens.

• Wash your hands and face after going outside. This will remove allergens from your skin.

• Use a cool compress over your eyes to reduce swelling and itching.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching pets to remove dander from your hands.

• Regularly wash your bedding, and use allergen-reducing covers.

• Avoid window fans which can bring in pollen from the outdoors.

You can also use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help with allergic conjunctivitis symptoms, including the following options.

Preservative-free artificial tears

OTC artificial tears can improve symptoms by washing out allergens from the eye. Try keeping the drops in the fridge for additional cooling relief.

Antihistamine eye drops

Antihistamine eye drops work by reducing the release of histamine, the chemical that causes itching. Some antihistamine eye drops are available over the counter, without a prescription.

Oral antihistamines

Oral antihistamines also block histamine release and can help relieve allergy symptoms. You can find oral antihistamines at your local retail pharmacy and grocery store. They're available without a prescription.

Nasal steroids sprays

Nasal steroid sprays can help relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. This might be a good option if you have other symptoms from allergies, like a runny nose and congestion. If you have trouble using eye drops, nasal sprays can be a good alternative. Nasal steroid sprays are available without a prescription.

Prescription eye drops

Talk with an eye doctor, like an optometrist or ophthalmologist, if OTC options aren't helping. They may recommend prescription eye drops to help with your symptoms.

The two common types of prescription eye drops are:

• Steroid eye drops

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops

These treatments should be used under the supervision of an eye doctor. Long-term use of steroid drops can cause eye problems, like glaucoma or cataracts.

Can you prevent allergic conjunctivitis?

You can prevent allergic conjunctivitis flares by avoiding triggers, like pollen and pet dander. You can also reduce allergens in your home by:

• Installing an air purifier

• Vacuuming and dusting regularly

• Using scent-free soaps to limit your exposure to chemicals that can trigger allergic conjunctivitis

• Not rubbing your eyes when they're itchy (Rubbing your eyes can make your symptoms worse and increase your risk for other eye problems.)

When should you seek care for allergic conjunctivitis?

See an eye doctor if you've tried home remedies without improvement. Complications from allergic conjunctivitis are rare. But there are other diseases that have similar symptoms. Your eye doctor will check for these other diseases during an eye exam.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.