Eye Allergies​

Eye allergies, also known as ‘allergic conjunctivitis’ are common disorder in response to allergens in the air, such as dust, pet fur, cigarette smoke, pollen or mould. Your eyes become itchy and watery, and you also witness some redness in your eyes. When your eyes become exposed to an allergen, histamine is produced, which causes red and watery eyes, with itchiness and burning. 

Eye allergies leading to conjunctivitis are not contagious, unlike bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. It may occur only seasonally as some allergens in the air increase during certain seasons, such as pollen. Though eye allergies may cause discomfort and you may find them annoying, they do not cause any serious or permanent damage to your eyes. People who suffer from eye allergies usually also suffer from nasal allergies. 

Eye allergies may occur suddenly, especially in the allergy season (acute eye allergies), or they may continuously appear throughout the year due to allergens around you (chronic eye allergies). If exposure to allergens on a long-term basis is causing chronic eye allergies, you must try to get immediate treatment and remove the allergen to prevent significant burning, itching or even sensitivity to light.​

When to seek expert advice

​Chronic eye allergies that interfere with your normal daily activities must be treated immediately as they can cause much discomfort. See your eye doctor if the symptoms of eye allergies described above do not improve in a week or ten days and worsen over time.

You can be assured of receiving the best quality medical care at The Aga Khan University Hospital. Our expert and highly trained staff at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences can provide you with expert medical advice. We have an internationally accredited staff with which you can safely and privately discuss your symptoms, gain advice and receive personalized treatment and care.​​