Itchy, Watery Eye Allergies & Allergic Conjunctivitis
Itchy, Watery Eye Allergies & Allergic Conjunctivitis
Itchy, watery eyes, eye allergies and allergic conjunctivitis are extremely common especially during pollen season and ragweed or hay fever season. In fact, as many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a very common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, which is the clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as Allergic Conjunctivitis.
Allergic, or “hay fever”, conjunctivitis is most commonly seen in geographic areas with a high incidence of seasonal allergies, including Massachusetts. The most common types are Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) and Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC). SAC and PAC are triggered when a person is exposed to an allergen, most often one that is airborne. In other words, if you are allergic to a particular substance and then come into contact with it, you experience an allergic reaction such as itchy eyes itching, sneezing or watery eyes.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Symptoms often develop rapidly after exposure to the allergen and include itching, tearing, burning, red eyes, mucus discharge and eyelid swelling. The conjunctiva is the same type of skin that lines the inside of the nose. Therefore, the same allergens can cause similar types of allergic reactions in both the eyes and the nose. The most common forms of allergens include pollen from grass, trees and weeds as well as dust, molds, and pet dander. Although the actual symptoms of SAC and PAC are pretty similar they tend to occur at different times. SAC symptoms occur in the spring and summer from grass and trees, or fall from weeds. The attacks are usually short-lived and absent during other times of the year. PAC symptoms can occur year-round and are typically caused by dust and/or pet dander.