Allergic conjunctivitis is how the eyes react to allergens, resulting in red, watery, and itchy eyes. The conjunctiva becomes enflamed due to a reaction to an allergen. Each person is susceptible to different allergens- much like seasonal allergies. Common culprits include pet dander, hay, dust, pollen, and mold. Allergic conjunctivitis can also present if you are allergic to new contact lens solution, eye drops, or face products used near the eyes. Due to a similar presentation, dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis are often misdiagnosed as one another. The most common differentiating factors between allergies and dry eyes are the presence of itching and the presence of stringy mucous in the tears (both indicative of allergies rather than dry eye). Along with eye symptoms, patients with allergic conjunctivitis also present with systemic signs of allergies like a runny nose and sneezing. Allergic conjunctivitis has many different forms, but the two most common are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (the ocular form of seasonal allergies) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (symptoms persist year-round). Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis includes avoidance of the allergen(s), cold compresses, antihistamine eye drops, oral antihistamines, and topical steroid eye drops. Our in-clinic allergy tests can help determine the triggers of your allergies, allowing for a personalized treatment regimen.