Medicine for allergic conjunctivitis: what to know

Antihistamine or mast-cell stabilising eye drops may reduce the reaction to pollen, dust, or animal dander. Lubricating drops can wash away irritants and soothe the surface. Tablets or nasal treatment may help when eye symptoms occur alongside allergic rhinitis. Antibiotic drops do not treat an allergy unless a clinician identifies a separate infection.

Learn more about [Allergic Conjunctivitis](/conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis/) and [Allergy Medication](/treatments/medical-management/allergy-medication/).

Do not rub your eyes, since rubbing can intensify inflammation and damage the surface. Wash your hands before applying drops, keep the bottle tip away from the eye, and follow its storage and expiry instructions. A cool clean compress may ease discomfort. Sunglasses outdoors and reducing contact with a known trigger can support treatment. Ask about [Allergy Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/allergy-testing/) if the pattern is unclear or keeps returning.

Get urgent medical advice for severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, injury, a chemical splash, or swelling that affects breathing. Arrange an eye or clinician review when discharge is thick, symptoms affect one eye only, or redness persists despite allergy care. Itchy eyes fit an allergic pattern, but [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) and [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) can have other causes.

Ask which drop suits your symptoms, how often to use it, whether contact lenses should be paused, and how long to try it. Mention eczema, asthma, nasal allergies, and every eye product you use.