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    Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever Eyes) : The Eye Unit

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    Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as hayfever eyes, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen. Symptoms include red, watery, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids. Treatment options include over-the-counter eye drops for relief of symptoms, prescription eye drops for long-term treatment, oral antihistamines, and avoiding allergens and irritants. Sufferers are advised to wash hands before and after treating eyes, avoid rubbing eyes, and see a doctor if symptoms persist.

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    Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever Eyes) : The Eye Unit

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    Productivity 100
    73 views2 pages
    Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as hayfever eyes, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen. Symptoms include red, watery, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids. Treatment options include over-the-counter eye drops for relief of symptoms, prescription eye drops for long-term treatment, oral antihistamines, and avoiding allergens and irritants. Sufferers are advised to wash hands before and after treating eyes, avoid rubbing eyes, and see a doctor if symptoms persist.

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    Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as hayfever eyes, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen. Symptoms include red, watery, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids. Treatment options include over-the-counter eye drops for relief of symptoms, prescription eye drops for long-term treatment, oral antihistamines, and avoiding allergens and irritants. Sufferers are advised to wash hands before and after treating eyes, avoid rubbing eyes, and see a doctor if symptoms persist.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    73 views2 pages

    Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever Eyes) : The Eye Unit

    Uploaded by

    Productivity 100
    Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as hayfever eyes, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen. Symptoms include red, watery, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids. Treatment options include over-the-counter eye drops for relief of symptoms, prescription eye drops for long-term treatment, oral antihistamines, and avoiding allergens and irritants. Sufferers are advised to wash hands before and after treating eyes, avoid rubbing eyes, and see a doctor if symptoms persist.

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    of 2

    l

    Always have regular eye checks with your Optometrist.


    Allergic conjunctivitis (Hayfever eyes)

    l Always protect your eyes with goggles or glasses when


    carrying out DIY or using any power equipment.

    Allergic
    l If you splash anything into your eye always rinse with plenty
    of tap water and seek medical advice.
    Never use anyone else’s medication (this includes
    l

    conjunctivitis
    eye-drops).
    For further information and advice please contact:
    Emergency Helpline: (01202) 704181
    7 days a week: 8:00am to 6:00pm
    (Hayfever eyes)

    Our Vision
    Putting patients first while striving to deliver
    the best quality healthcare.

    The Eye Unit, The Royal Bournemouth Hospital,


    Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DW
    Please contact the author if you would like details
    of the evidence in the production of this leaflet.
    We can supply this information in other formats,
    The Eye Unit
    in larger print, on audiotape, or have it translated for you.
    Please call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Information and advice for patients
    on 01202 704886, text or email [email protected] for further advice.
    about Allergic conjunctivitis
    Author: Julie Tillotson Date: March 2013 Version: Four
    Review date: March 2016 Ref: 036/06 (Hayfever eyes)
    Website: www.rbch.nhs.uk n Tel: 01202 303626 Website: www.rbch.nhs.uk n Tel: 01202 303626
    What is Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever eyes)? l Wash your hands before and after any treatment.
    Allergic conjunctivitis (Hayfever eyes)

    Allergic conjunctivitis (Hayfever eyes)


    This is a term for a condition which you get from an allergic l Don’t rub or scratch your eyes as this makes them worse.
    reaction to pollen, dust , fur etc. l Do not wear contact lenses when you have conjunctivitis.
    When ‘the allergen’ comes into contact with the eye it can cause Treatment Medical
    inflammation of the conjunctiva (the sensitive membrane that
    There are two types of eyedrops that can be used:
    covers the eyeball and inner surface of the eye).
    l Short term treatment such as Otrivine Antistine eye drops
    It can happen at any time of the year but is more common in the which usually work within 2-3 days.
    spring and summer. This is because the air is full of pollen. l Longer term treatment such as Opticrom or Haycrom
    The allergic response is your body’s natural response to foreign eyedrops which take at least a week to start working.
    particles. However, if your eyes are overly sensitive the l You can use both together to get some immediate relief and
    response is much worse causing the release of ‘histamine’ in to keep eyes comfortable whilst the allergy is present, which
    the eyes. may be 4-6 months.
    Signs and Symptoms l Antihistamine tablets, available from the chemist.
    Histamine makes your eyes: Concerns
    l Red, itchy l Hay fever allergies are not contagious, it is not an infection
    l Watery discharge and you cannot catch it from someone else.
    l Swollen eyelids with red puffy skin around the eyes. l Allergies may be inherited.
    l The white part of your eyes may bulge out and look jelly-like. l If you suffer with other allergies you are likely to be more
    prone to allergic conjunctivitis.
    Treatment - Non medical l Check the weather forecasts for details of the pollen count
    l Avoid the cause of the allergy if known i.e. cats, dogs, fur. and, if high, avoid wearing your contact lenses.
    l Avoid wide open grassy spaces such as parks, fields
    Your own GP should be able to advise you if you get allergic
    or gardens.
    conjunctivitis.
    l Keep air vents and windows closed in the house, train or car.
    l After a period outside, wash your hair and body, change Remember
    clothes to remove pollen. l Always wash your hands before and after touching
    l Use ‘cold compresses’ to the closed eyes. Use a clean your eye/s.
    flannel soaked in boiled, cooled water that has been in l Always finish the course of treatment if you have been
    the fridge. prescribed medication, even if your symptoms have improved.

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