Allergic reaction of the eye - “allergic conjunctivitis” - affects about 20 % of the general population.  Sometimes, it is the only allergic reaction affecting the person.  More commonly there are also other  allergic problems operating.  Often, however, these symptoms are the most distressing to the patient - especially to patients who use contact lenses.   Such symptoms need to be addressed  before they lead to complicating  secondary infection.  And contact lenses should Not be used until the condition has resolved!

 Some diagnostic bottom lines:

If the eye is sticky in the morning,  it is probably bacterial;

If the eye burns, it is probably “dry eye”;

If the eye itches, it is  very likely allergic in origin;

If the lower lid is more affected than the upper lid with an eruption,  it probably represents allergy to eye drops.

Any substantial or persistent problem should be checked by an ophthalmologist.

Some therapeutic bottom lines:

Mast cell stabilizers, with or without anti-histamine action:

a) Patanol 0.1% eye drops;
b) Alomide 0.1% eye drops;
c) Crolom eye drops;
d) Optivar eye drops.

Caution:  Always check with the M.D.or the pharmacist  regarding whether  these drops and their preservatives are compatible with contact lenses.

Corticosteroid eye drops:  These are quite effective for allergic problems,  but they would be disaster for bacterial problems.  Also, they could activate latent herpes simplex infection of the eye.

Oral antihistamines - Claritin, Allegra - are often helpful.

Hydration of the eye/conjunctiva: A dry eye is an irritated eye:

a) Liquifilm Tears eye drops;
b) Refresh Tears (Allergan);
c) Genteal Lubricant Eye Gel (Ciba)

Allergy Immunotherapy:  Allergic eye symptoms generally respond less well to this form of treatment.  But it may be helpful when the diagnosis has been clearly established and the problem has not responded adequately to the above approaches.

Eye drops are more effective if used cold.  Therefore, keep them in the refrigerator.