Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

It’s common for eyes to produce excess tears occasionally, often manageable with OTC treatments. However, allergic reactions can cause persistent watery eyes, where tears flow involuntarily. Various factors contribute to this condition. Keep reading to learn more about allergic conjunctivitis and its management.

What triggers watery eyes?
Several factors may lead to excessive tearing, including:

Blockage or narrowing of the tear drainage ducts, often due to repeated mild infections or inflammation.

This blockage results in tear buildup, increasing infection risk and causing symptoms like sticky eye discharge or swelling near the nose and eyes.
Sometimes, dry eye syndrome can paradoxically cause watering, as irritated eyes produce excess tears to compensate. Partial duct blockages or congenital issues in infants may also cause watery eyes, often resolving naturally over time.

What are eye allergies?
Eye allergies are a protective reflex aimed at removing irritants. These allergic responses occur when eyes overreact to certain triggers, often causing watering, redness, and itchiness. Common irritants include:

Chemicals like onion juice or fumes

Infections like conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis causing inflammation

Injuries or scratches near the eye

Dust, dirt, or grit in the eyes

Inward-growing eyelashes (Entropion)

Types of eye allergies
Allergic conjunctivitis manifests as seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergies are linked to pollen, grass, weeds, and mold spores, usually occurring in spring through autumn. Perennial allergies are ongoing, caused by dust mites, pet dander, smoke, perfumes, air pollution, and chemicals present year-round.

Effective ways to alleviate allergy-related watery eyes
Tailored approaches can help reduce symptoms depending on the cause. Here are some options:

Avoid allergens: Minimize exposure by staying indoors during high pollen seasons, using air conditioning with good filters, and cleaning filters regularly.

Remove contact lenses: Contact lenses can trap allergens. Consider switching to glasses during allergy seasons or using daily disposables.

OTC remedies: Non-prescription eye drops can relieve redness, irritation, and watering caused by allergies.

Prescription drugs: Severe cases may require antihistamines or decongestants prescribed by a doctor, which reduce allergic responses and eye redness.

Immunotherapy: Allergen immunotherapy involves controlled exposure to allergens to build immunity and decrease sensitivity over time.