Does allergic conjunctivitis cause eye discharge?

Allergic conjunctivitis happens when the eye's surface reacts to an allergen such as pollen, dust, mould, or animal dander. The discharge is often clear, watery, or stringy and may collect at the corners of the eyes. It commonly affects both eyes and comes with itching, redness, burning, or puffy eyelids. Thick yellow or green discharge, marked pain, or symptoms affecting one eye may point to infection or another eye problem instead.

Avoid rubbing your eyes and wash your hands before touching them. A cool clean compress can soothe irritation, while reducing contact with a known trigger may help. Do not share towels, pillows, or eye products, and discard eye makeup used during an active episode. A pharmacist or doctor can advise on suitable allergy treatment and check whether discharge needs a different approach.

Arrange urgent medical assessment for significant eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, injury, a swollen eyelid that is worsening, or thick discharge with difficulty opening the eye. Seek immediate help for sudden vision loss or severe pain. A baby with discharge, or symptoms in someone who wears contact lenses, should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the discharge fits allergy or infection, whether both eyes are involved in a typical way, which triggers to avoid, and which drops are appropriate. Tell the clinician about contact lens use, pain, vision changes, fever, and whether the discharge is watery, stringy, or thick.