What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
Most people with allergic conjunctivitis have problems with both eyes. Symptoms may appear quickly, soon after the eyes have come into contact with the allergen. In other cases, as with some eye drops, symptoms may take from two to four days to appear. The following symptoms are most typical for allergic conjunctivitis: • Eyes become red/pink – by far the most common symptom. The eyes become irritated as the capillaries (small blood vessels) in the conjunctiva widen. • Pain – some people have pain in one or both eyes. If the eyes are very red and painful it is important to see a doctor. Any patient with painful, red eyes, and has become sensitive to light (photophobia), and feels his/her vision is affected should see a doctor straight away. • Itchiness – as the eyes are irritated they may itch. The itch may worsen if you keep rubbing them. • Swollen eyelids – the eyelids may puff up when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, or if the sufferer has been rubbing them a lot. • Soreness – the
