Conjunctivitis (Acute Allergic)
The CMGs are guidelines on the diagnosis and management of a range of common and rare, but important, eye conditions that present with varying frequency in primary and first contact care.
The CMGs are guidelines on the diagnosis and management of a range of common and rare, but important, eye conditions that present with varying frequency in primary and first contact care.
A self-limiting urticarial reaction to an allergen (often unidentified) that comes into contact with the conjunctiva provoking an immediate (Type I) IgE-mediated response
Common in children
Allergens include: grass pollen, animal dander
History of allergic disease; can also occur without such history
Sudden eyelid swelling
Ocular itching
May be unilateral (if a direct contact response)
Lid oedema and erythema
Conjunctival chemosis (oedema): may bulge over lid margin or limbus
Watery or mucoid discharge (mild)
Usually no papillae
No corneal involvement
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Chemical trauma
Preseptal or orbital cellulitis
Practitioners should recognise their limitations and where necessary seek further advice or refer the patient elsewhere
Reassure patient: most cases resolve spontaneously within a few hours
Advise against eye rubbing (causes mechanical mast cell degranulation)
Cool compresses may give symptomatic relief
(GRADE*: Level of evidence=low, Strength of recommendation=strong)
If possible identify allergen and advise future avoidance
Advise patient to return/seek further help if symptoms persist
Not normally required (although ocular lubricant drops and/or topical anti-histamines may provide symptomatic relief)
(GRADE*: Level of evidence=low, Strength of recommendation=strong)
If condition recurrent, prescribe prophylactic topical mast cell stabiliser, e.g. gutt. sodium cromoglicate 2% (as POM), or gutt lodoxamide 0.1%, or
dual-acting antihistamine/mast cell stabiliser, e.g. gutt. olopatadine 0.1%
(off-licence use), or gutt ketotifen 0.025% (off-licence use); maximum
duration 4 months
(GRADE*: Level of evidence=low, Strength of recommendation=weak)
B2: alleviation/palliation – normally no referral
Not normally referred
*GRADE: Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (see http://www.gradingworkinggroup.org/index.htm)
Sources of evidence
Buckley RJ. Allergic eye disease – a clinical challenge. Clinical &Exp Allergy 1998;28:39-43
del Cuvillo A, Sastre J, Montoro J, Jáuregui I, Dávila I, Ferrer M, Bartra J, Mullol J, Valero A. Allergic Conjunctivitis and H1 Antihistamines. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2009;19,Suppl.1:11-18
Acute allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction of the eyes, which causes a sudden swelling and redness of the eyelids and conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye), often associated with itching. It usually occurs in susceptible individuals, typically following exposure to grass pollen or animal fur. Most cases get better within a few hours without the need for drug treatment. However, anti-allergy eye drops may help to control symptoms in the short term and in people with recurrent episodes.
Conjunctivitis (Acute Allergic)
Version 12
Date of search 25.11.18
Date of revision 29.03.19
Date of publication 09.05.19
Date for review 24.11.20
© College of Optometrists
View more Clinical Management Guidelines