Conjunctivitis Treatment

Many typical cases of allergic conjunctivitis can be assessed online. The clinician will review whether symptoms affect one or both eyes, the presence of itching, watering, redness, swelling, seasonal triggers, contact lens use and any features that could suggest infection or another eye condition.

Eye pain, marked light sensitivity, reduced vision, trauma, chemical exposure or a very red single eye requires prompt face-to-face assessment.

Allergic conjunctivitis usually causes prominent itching, watering and redness and often affects both eyes. Thick discharge, eyelids stuck together, significant pain or systemic illness may suggest another diagnosis and should be assessed appropriately.

No. Treatment depends on symptoms, likely trigger, age, contact lens use, previous treatment and whether there are any warning signs. Some patients are suitable for non-prescription treatment, while prescription treatment may be considered where clinically appropriate.

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergic reaction. Common triggers include pollen, house dust mites, animal dander and other environmental allergens.

Typical symptoms include itchy, watery, red or irritated eyes and puffy eyelids. Symptoms often affect both eyes and may occur with hay fever symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose.

It can, but allergy more commonly affects both eyes. A very red or painful single eye should not automatically be assumed to be allergy and may need further assessment.

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is commonly linked to pollen exposure and tends to flare during particular times of year. It often occurs alongside hay fever.

Perennial allergic conjunctivitis can occur throughout the year and may be triggered by allergens such as dust mites, mould or animal dander.

Sodium Cromoglicate is an anti-allergy medicine that helps prevent release of substances involved in the allergic response. It is used to prevent and treat allergic conjunctivitis.

Current UK product information lists one or two drops into each affected eye four times daily, or as directed by the clinician.

It may not give complete relief after the first dose. Regular use is important because Sodium Cromoglicate works mainly by stabilising the allergic response rather than simply providing immediate symptom relief.

Yes. Product information for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis recommends regular use during the period of allergen exposure for best symptom control.

Temporary stinging or irritation can occur after application. Persistent or worsening redness, swelling or irritation should be reviewed.

This depends on the formulation. Many multidose products contain benzalkonium chloride and should not be used while wearing soft contact lenses. Follow the exact product leaflet and remove lenses where instructed before applying the drops.

Yes. Preservative-free single-dose and multidose Sodium Cromoglicate formulations are available. These may be preferable for some people with preservative sensitivity or frequent eye-drop use.

Olopatadine is an anti-allergy eye drop with antihistamine and mast-cell stabilising effects. It is used for the ocular signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Current UK product information lists one drop into the affected eye or eyes twice daily, approximately 8 hours apart.

Prescription Olopatadine treatment may be continued for up to 4 months where clinically necessary, depending on the product and clinical review.

Possible effects include eye pain or irritation, dry eye, abnormal sensation in the eye, headache and altered taste. Seek advice if symptoms are significant or worsening.

Some Olopatadine 1 mg/ml prescription products are licensed from 3 years of age, while other products may have different age restrictions. The exact product licence and clinical situation should be checked before use.

Many Olopatadine multidose products contain benzalkonium chloride. Contact lenses should be removed before use and should not usually be reinserted until at least 15 minutes after application. Follow the exact leaflet for the product supplied.

Wash your hands, tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and place the prescribed number of drops into the lower conjunctival sac without touching the bottle tip to the eye or eyelashes.

Gentle pressure over the inner corner of the closed eye for around 1 minute can reduce drainage into the nose and throat and may reduce systemic absorption.

If more than one ophthalmic medicine is being used, leave an appropriate interval between products, commonly at least 5 minutes unless the product information advises otherwise. Eye ointments are usually applied last.

Yes. A clean cool compress over closed eyes can help relieve itching and swelling. Avoid rubbing the eyes because this can worsen irritation.

During high pollen periods, keeping windows closed where practical, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, washing the face after outdoor exposure and avoiding eye rubbing can help reduce symptoms.

Both can be effective, but they work differently and have different dosing schedules. Sodium Cromoglicate is commonly used regularly four times daily, while Olopatadine is generally used twice daily. The most suitable option depends on symptoms, age, previous response and clinical suitability.

Oral antihistamines can help when allergic eye symptoms occur alongside hay fever symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose. However, topical eye treatment may provide more targeted relief for ocular symptoms.

Check that the drops are being used regularly and correctly and that the diagnosis is likely to be allergy. Persistent, worsening or atypical symptoms should be reassessed rather than repeatedly switching treatments without review.

Improvement depends on the treatment and ongoing allergen exposure. Some symptoms may improve relatively quickly, but preventative treatments work best when used regularly. Seek review if symptoms worsen or fail to improve as expected.

For ongoing allergen exposure, regular treatment may be needed throughout the exposure period. Follow the product instructions or clinician's advice rather than stopping and restarting repeatedly without a plan.

Yes. Symptoms can recur whenever you are exposed to the allergen. Identifying triggers and using preventative treatment appropriately can help reduce repeated flares.

Urgent assessment is needed for significant eye pain, marked light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, trauma, chemical exposure, a very red single eye, severe headache with eye symptoms or suspected corneal involvement.

Eye pain is not typical of simple allergic conjunctivitis. Significant pain should be assessed promptly to exclude corneal disease, uveitis, acute glaucoma or another potentially serious condition.

Temporary blur immediately after applying drops can occur, but persistent or unexplained reduced vision requires clinical assessment rather than routine allergy treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be disclosed before treatment. The clinician or pharmacist will check whether the selected eye drop is appropriate and consider measures that minimise systemic absorption.

Contact lens wearers with a painful or significantly red eye require a lower threshold for urgent assessment because corneal infection can progress quickly. Stop wearing the lenses until the cause has been assessed.

Repeat supply may be appropriate for recurrent, typical allergic conjunctivitis where the diagnosis and previous response are clear. New pain, visual symptoms, one-sided severe redness or failure of treatment should prompt reassessment.

If treatment is clinically appropriate, the eye drops will be supplied with directions for use and relevant patient information. Follow the label and leaflet carefully, particularly contact lens and storage instructions.