ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Itching, redness and tearing from pollen, dust and other allergens.

Written & reviewed by

Dr. Atsushi MekadaBoard-certified Ophthalmologist, The Japanese Ophthalmological Society

Last updated:

About Allergic Conjunctivitis

For anyone troubled by allergic conjunctivitis

Allergens such as pollen, house dust or pet dander contact the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye), triggering an excessive immune response and inflammation. Many people with hay fever also experience eye itching. It's classified as "perennial" (year-round) or "seasonal" (only during pollen season), and the right approach depends on the allergen involved.

Symptoms

  • Itching that makes you want to rub your eyes
  • Redness
  • Excess tearing
  • Eyes feel heavy or gritty
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Symptoms reliably appear each spring

These reactions occur on the surface of the conjunctiva and are not urgent. However, continued rubbing can scratch the cornea, and in rare cases the condition can worsen and affect the cornea, so please consult us if symptoms persist.

Treatment

  • Anti-allergy eye dropsThe basic medication, suppressing the allergic reaction and reducing itching and redness. May be used continuously depending on symptoms and progress; follow your doctor's instructions on duration and frequency.
  • Steroid eye dropsSometimes used together for a short period when symptoms are severe. Quickly reduces inflammation, but prolonged self-directed use can raise eye pressure or infection risk, so always follow the prescribed duration and frequency.
  • Pre-emptive treatmentFor those with hay fever, starting eye drops before pollen season begins ("initial treatment") has been shown to reduce symptoms during the season. If you experience seasonal symptoms every year, consult us shortly before the season starts.
Illustration of allergic conjunctivitis treatment

Ongoing Care

  • Reduce contact with allergens (pollen, house dust) by adjusting how and when you ventilate rooms; wearing protective glasses outdoors can also help.
  • Clean indoor spaces regularly, and wash your face and rinse your eyes after going outside to remove allergens.
  • Even during symptom-free periods, don't stop visiting on your own judgment — getting checked before the next season starts helps you plan ahead.
  • Contact lens wearers should consider switching to glasses during periods of strong symptoms.

A Note From the Director

Itchy eyes are easy to rub without thinking, but that's actually the worst thing to do. Even “just a little itchy” can worsen or scratch the cornea if you keep rubbing. If you get symptoms at the same time every year, consulting us before next season starts can make pollen season much easier to get through.

Related Pages

Please note: The effects of the treatments described on this page vary between individuals, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. The severity and course of your condition will be explained by your doctor after examination.

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We welcome patients from Hikone and across Shiga Prefecture, as well as from Kyoto City, Takatsuki and Hirakata (Osaka), and the Nagoya (Aichi) area.

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