 Conjunctivitis is also commonly known as “pink eye.” Nevertheless, this term is only correctly used when talking about conjunctivitis which is caused by a viral infection of the eye. But there is another type of conjunctivitis – allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is occurred when the mast cells (fraction of the body's immune system) in the eye respond to allergens which the body's immune system considers to be foreign to one's body. A great amount of mast cells exist in our eyes, and this makes them a common place for these types of allergic reactions.
The allergic reaction leads to a release of histamines, which is the immune system's way of opposing the allergen. After this enlargement of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva occurs (a thin membrane which covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid).
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms include:
- slight swelling of the area around the eyes,
- redness,
- itching,
- and tearing (crying).
Some people may also experience Nasal Symptoms:
- congestion,
- sneezing,
- runny nose,
- and itching.
While other forms of conjunctivitis may affect only one eye, the allergic form generally manifests itself in both eyes.
Five different types of allergic conjunctivitis exist. These are:
 Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) is the most common type of the five described here. It usually arises when the seasons change and is provoked by airborne allergens like tree, weed, and grass pollens, as well as many different types of mold. Very often those who suffer from this eye ailment also have allergic rhinitis, also called “hay fever.” This is often the source of SAC.
This form of allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, as well as prescriptions.
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