Allergic eye disease is a broad term that encompasses several different types of eye conditions. All of these conditions involve irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva. The most common conditions---seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis---are mostly uncomfortable; however, the less common types of allergic eye diseases can be more serious and sight-threatening.
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
The same allergens that are associated with allergic rhinitis cause seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, according to the World Allergy Organization website. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis flares up during specific seasons. In the months of May and June, the symptoms are due to tree pollen and in June and July, grass pollens can cause allergic eye symptoms.
Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is a continual type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by irritants that are present in the environment all the time, such as mold and pet dander. According to Dr. Ben Gaddie in a Council on Optometric Practitioner Education presentation, perennial allergic conjunctivitis is milder than seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and is typically an indoor disease.
Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic condition that is associated with eczema of the skin. Symptoms of this type of allergic conjunctivitis include itching, blurred vision and dryness, according to the World Allergy Organization website. The cornea can be significantly damaged by atopic keratoconjunctivitis; the patient can develop ulcerations or neovascularization, as noted on the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center website.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a rare seasonal allergic disease. According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center website, this kind of conjunctivitis accounts for 0.1 to 0.5 percent of all eye diseases in the world. The conjunctivitis under the eyelids develops large bumps called cobblestones in this condition; the cornea can develop ulcers that can scar as well. Another characteristic of this condition is severe itching.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Giant papillary conjunctivitis occurs most often in people who wear contact lenses but can also develop in people who have sutures from a surgical procedure or an artificial eye. The conjunctivitis has cobblestone changes like vernal keratoconjunctivitis but the condition is not as itchy, according to the Allergy/Asthma Information Association. Changing contact lens types, removing the irritant or cleaning the prosthesis may improve the symptoms. This condition usually does not affect vision.
References
- World Allergy Organization: Allergic Conjunctivitis
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Eye Allergies: Believe Your Eyes and See What They May Be Telling You
- Allergy/Asthma Information Association: Allergic Eye Diseases
- University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center: Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
- University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center: Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
