How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?

Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction affecting the surface of the eye. It commonly causes itchy eyes, redness, watering, and sometimes a stringy discharge. Avoid rubbing, use a cool clean compress, and wash hands after outdoor exposure or contact with a suspected trigger. Lubricating drops can soothe irritation, while allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops may reduce symptoms. A clinician or pharmacist can check that a product is suitable, especially for children, pregnancy, contact-lens wear, or other eye conditions.

Pause contact lenses while the eyes are irritated and use glasses until symptoms settle or a clinician advises otherwise. Keep bedding and indoor areas clean, and limit exposure to dust, pollen, smoke, or animal dander when these worsen symptoms. Allergy Testing may help identify a trigger when episodes recur or remain difficult to control. Do not use someone else’s eye drops or share towels.

Seek urgent eye assessment for severe pain, marked light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, injury, a cloudy-looking eye, or swelling that affects breathing. Arrange a review for one-sided symptoms, thick discharge, symptoms that keep returning, or redness that does not improve. Eye Discharge, Itchy Eyes, and Red Eye can have causes other than allergy, so persistent symptoms need the right diagnosis.

Could this be an infection or another eye problem? Which drops are suitable for me? Should I stop contact lenses? Would Allergy Testing help identify a trigger?