Curriculum · ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology
Allergic conjunctivitis
What it is
Allergic conjunctivitis is an IgE related immune reaction of the eye, and it may be acute or chronic. The atopic form goes with rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis and hay fever. It sits close to allergic rhinitis, itself an IgE-mediated immunologic response, which is seasonal with pollen from trees and grass and perennial with airborne dust, animal dander and tobacco smoke; a patient with allergic rhinitis may have allergic conjunctivitis with it.
How it presents
Itching is the hallmark symptom, and there is a history of itchiness and of atopy. The eye shows bilateral generalized mild congestion, a stringy discharge and conjunctival papillae, with chemosis, more so when the patient is rubbing the eyes, and redness. Signs and symptoms correspond to the level of allergen exposure. Sight is not affected, unless the cornea is rarely involved. The atopic form shows small papillae, chemosis, thickened and erythematous lids, and corneal neovascularization.