Allergic Conjunctivitis Specialist

What is allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergies, is common in allergy sufferers. It’s an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the white portion of your eye.

With allergic conjunctivitis, your eyes may be intensely itchy, making it hard not to rub them. They may also be red and watery and produce more mucus than usual. Allergic conjunctivitis may also cause your eyelids to swell. 

It’s not uncommon to have other allergy symptoms with allergic conjunctivitis, such as sneezing and a runny nose.

What causes allergic conjunctivitis?

You may develop allergic conjunctivitis from an indoor or outdoor allergy. Common allergies that cause eye irritation are:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust
• Pet dander
• Cosmetics

Allergic conjunctivitis may also be a symptom of drug allergies or food allergies. 

Dirt, smoke, or other chemicals may cause inflammation and swelling of the eye, but this is an irritation of the conjunctiva, not an allergic reaction. 

Pink eye, also known as infectious conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious condition caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Pink eye causes similar symptoms but isn’t allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious. 

What can I expect during an allergic conjunctivitis consultation?

Dr. Barsky is an experienced allergist, and you can expect a comprehensive examination when you come in with concerns about allergic conjunctivitis. He aims to find the source of your allergy symptom to provide the most targeted care.

Dr. Barsky reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your eyes. He performs allergy tests to confirm or rule out the cause of allergic conjunctivitis. Testing may include skin allergy testing or a blood test. 

How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?

Dr. Barsky customizes your allergic conjunctivitis treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your symptom. If possible, he recommends you avoid the allergen causing your eye irritation and offers treatment recommendations to ease symptoms. 

Your treatment plan may include:

• Saline eye drops to wash away the allergen
• Anti-allergy eye drops
• Prescription allergy medication
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Dr. Barsky also talks to you about steps you can take at home to minimize exposure to your allergen and the eye allergies it causes, such as frequent hand washing, not touching or rubbing your eyes, and regularly washing your bed sheets in hot water and with a hypoallergenic detergent. 

It’s possible for allergic conjunctivitis to completely disappear after treatment. 

To get relief from your allergic conjunctivitis, schedule an appointment at Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, by calling the office or booking online today.