Types of Eye Allergies and Treatments

At-Home Remedies for Allergies

Most allergies have common treatments that should relieve any discomfort.

Common Treatments for Allergies

 Common short-term at-home treatments for allergies can include:

• Artificial Tear substitute eye drops

• Reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens, depending on your allergy

• OTC decongestants and antihistamines; allergy shots, oral antihistamines

In the specific cases of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis, and Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, you can treat them at home by taking a break from wearing your contacts as well as avoiding allergens. Prescription eyedrops are reliable relief for these types of allergies as well. If at-home remedies are not providing relief, talk to your eye doctor about treatments they can offer.

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6 Types of Eye Allergies

If you often get eye allergies, you may have one of the following types. If your symptoms continue after you've tried our various at-home remedies, it might be time to see an eye doctor.

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) occurs seasonally in the spring, summer, or fall. A SAC reaction depends on the type of plant pollen in the air. The most common plant pollens that cause a SAC reaction are grass pollen and ragweed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of SAC can include:

• Itching

• Redness

• Burning

• Clear, watery discharge

• Dark circles

• Puffy eyes

• Sensitivity to light

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC) is similar to SAC, except it occurs year-round. PAC has different causes from SAC, which are more common. 

Symptoms

• Dust mites

• Mold

• Pet dander

• Other household irritants

In addition, PAC exhibits mild symptoms similar to those of SAC.

Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis

 Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis occurs from irritation from using contact lenses. Irritation happens when the proteins from your tears collect on the surface of the lens. 

Symptoms

• Itching

• Redness

• Lens Discomfort

• Mucous discharge

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is an eye allergy with more severe symptoms than SAC or PAC. It most likely occurs year-round but can significantly worsen as the seasons change. This type of allergy most commonly occurs in boys and young men, and 75% of patients also have eczema or asthma.

Symptoms

• Itching

• Significant increase in tear production

• Increase in mucus

• Feeling that something is stuck in your eye (foreign body sensation)

• Light sensitivity

Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

 Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis mainly occurs in older patients, especially men prone to allergic dermatitis. It can happen year-round and has similar symptoms to Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis. This allergy can cause cornea scarring if left untreated.

Symptoms

• Severe itching

• Burning

• Redness

• Significant increase in mucus production

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is a more severe form of Contact Allergic Conjunctivitis. This most commonly occurs when people wear contact lenses, specifically soft lenses. Other allergens, especially chronic allergies, can also contribute to the allergy.

Symptoms

Symptoms most commonly affect the inside of your eyelid.

Eyelid symptoms:

• Roughness

• Redness

• Swelling

• Formation of bumps

Eyeball symptoms:

• It feels like something is in your eye

• Redness

• Itchiness

• Excess mucus

• Blurry vision

• Feeling that your contact is moving