Allergic conjunctivitis and light sensitivity

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly presents with itching, redness, watering and puffy eyelids, often in both eyes. A very watery or irritated surface can make bright surroundings uncomfortable, and squinting may give temporary relief. Sight itself should remain clear apart from brief blur caused by tears.

Photophobia means that light causes substantial discomfort or pain. This can occur when deeper or more sensitive eye structures are inflamed, including the cornea or the inside of the eye. Infection, a scratch, a foreign body and other problems can begin with a red eye, so strong light sensitivity should not be attributed to allergy without examination.

Move away from harsh light, wear sunglasses outdoors and rest the eyes without rubbing them. A clean cool compress over closed eyelids can soothe surface irritation. Remove contact lenses immediately and leave them out until an eye professional says it is appropriate to restart.

Do not use leftover antibiotic, steroid or anaesthetic eye drops. Steroid drops can worsen certain infections, and numbing drops are not suitable for unsupervised use. If a clinician has already confirmed allergy and symptoms are mild, continue the agreed allergy plan while monitoring for pain or visual change.

Obtain urgent eye care if light causes pronounced pain, you cannot comfortably keep the eye open, vision is reduced or persistently blurred, or the eye is significantly painful. Urgent assessment is also warranted after an injury or chemical splash, with a severe headache or nausea, or when a contact-lens wearer develops a red painful eye.

If brightness is only mildly uncomfortable but does not settle as watering and itching improve, arrange a clinical review. Mention whether the problem affects one or both eyes, when it began, and whether there is discharge, headache, trauma or recent contact-lens wear.

Ask whether the cornea and internal eye structures look healthy, whether the symptoms fit allergy alone, and which drops are safe to continue. Explain any seasonal allergy pattern, previous eye disease, recent illness, medicines used and changes in the sharpness of vision.