If your eyes often feel itchy, watery, or swollen during allergy season, you may be experiencing allergic conjunctivitis. At Southern ENT Associates, our board-certified ENT doctors understand how allergies can affect not just your sinuses, but your eyes too. Serving families across Southern Louisiana for over 25 years, we offer comprehensive allergy diagnosis and treatment to help you feel better from head to toe.
Here’s what you need to know about allergic conjunctivitis and how to find lasting relief.
What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust come into contact with the eyes, triggering an immune response. This condition causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. It’s a common condition, particularly during peak allergy seasons like spring and fall.
Symptoms to Watch For
Allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes and may present with:
- Itching: One of the most distinctive symptoms.
- Redness: Due to dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva.
- Tearing: Increased tear production as a response to irritation.
- Swelling: Puffy eyelids or under-eye bags.
- Burning or stinging sensation: Mild discomfort is common.
- Light sensitivity: In some cases, eyes may be more sensitive to light.
These symptoms can occur alone or alongside nasal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and sinus pressure.
How It Differs from Other Eye Conditions
Unlike bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It also typically doesn’t produce the thick yellow or green discharge seen in infections. Instead, the discharge is usually clear and watery.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to rule out other conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, or infections. Our specialists at Southern ENT Associates can help differentiate the cause through a detailed examination and medical history.
Your Options for Eye Allergy Relief
There are several effective strategies for managing allergic conjunctivitis:
- Allergen avoidance: Minimizing exposure to triggers like pollen, dust, and pet dander.
- Cold compresses: Help soothe irritation and reduce swelling.
- Artificial tears: Flush out allergens and provide comfort.
- Antihistamine eye drops: Relieve itching and redness.
- Oral antihistamines: May help if eye symptoms accompany other allergy signs.
- Prescription medications: In more severe or persistent cases, stronger treatments may be necessary.
For patients with chronic or severe allergy symptoms, our team may also recommend allergy testing and immunotherapy.
Personalized Allergy Relief in Southern Louisiana
You don’t have to suffer through another allergy season with itchy, watery eyes. At Southern ENT Associates, our team provides personalized, one-on-one care to help patients find meaningful relief from allergy-related conditions like allergic conjunctivitis. With six locations across Southern Louisiana and decades of trusted experience, we’re here to support your comfort and long-term wellness.
Schedule an appointment today to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable eyes.