At some point or other, many of us would have experienced that eye-irritating condition which causes our eyes to itch, well up with tears and become inexplicably tinged in pink. For the uninitiated, this is known as conjunctivitis, also called “pink eye”, a common physical ailment that afflicts the eyes. While conjunctivitis appears in many forms, allergic conjunctivitis is most relevant to the person on the street. And allergic conjunctivitis, which occurs most frequently amongst those prone to allergies and which have symptoms correlated to the change of the seasons, can show up in several forms.

Just like any other part of the body, the eyes can suffer allergic responses when they over-react to substances disagreeable to them – or substances they perceive as harmful, even though they may not necessarily be. Allergens, like dust, animal dander, pollen and mould, essentially common and harmless particles to most people, may end up causing allergic reactions in allergic individuals. The obvious eye allergy symptoms – swollen, red, itchy eyes that well up in tears – are often accompanied by signs like sneezing, runny nose, coughing, breathing difficulties, an itchy nose, mouth or throat and sinus congestion that can lead to headaches. More severe cases may even experience blurred vision and swollen eyelids.

This is a form of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis – seen by many to be the eye equivalent of hay fever. Those who reside in temperate countries like Australia and New Zealand are more likely to be affected by this form of conjunctivitis, usually due to exposure from pollen or grass. Afflicting up to a quarter of the population in these countries, the eyes feel itchy and become red and watery.

With a tendency to occur year-round, perennial allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens around the house like dust mites and pet dander. The symptoms, though, are milder than that of hay fever eyes.

Though this is not common, contact lens allergy can be triggered off by the constant local irritation of contact lenses on the conjunctiva. With this type of allergy, the eyes become red, start to itch and might even secrete a discharge, causing discomfort when wearing contact lenses. The contact lens wearer may begin to develop giant papillary conjunctivitis, with the lining of the upper eyelid being most affected.

Officially known as atopic keratoconjunctivitis, eczema eyes is a rare but the most severe form of allergic conjunctivitis. Afflicting adult males more than others, it is the eye equivalent of severe skin eczema. It is a persistent condition that causes constant itching, dry eyes, blurred vision and can also result in corneal swelling and scarring. Over time, it is common for eczema eyes to lead to eyelid eczema and infection, and even lens cataracts.

First off, see a doctor. Don't attempt to self-medicate, especially if you're experiencing allergic conjunctivitis for the first time. Medicated eye drops, to be used regularly, are the most likely treatment the doctor would provide.

When at home, remove your contact lenses, and place cold compresses over your eyes to relieve the swelling. Don't touch or rub your eyes, and wash your hands frequently with mild soap and warm water. Ladies should lay off wearing eye makeup till the conjunctivitis subsides.

It's best to avoid wearing contact lenses during an eye allergy. Get your eyes treated and only resume wearing lenses when all traces of conjunctivitis has disappeared.

Of course, the best treatment is avoidance. Itchy eyes are more often than not an indication of an eye allergy coming on. Make a check around your house and work area to eliminate culprits that may be triggering your eye allergy. Keep your home free of pet fur and dust. Regularly wipe down your workstation in the office – this is an often–overlooked area that tends to accumulate allergy–causing dust and dirt. If you live in a seasonal climate, stay indoors and keep the air conditioner on, rather than the windows open. And very importantly, clean out your air conditioner filters regularly to get rid of accumulated dirt!

• Do you have pets?
• Do you live in a traffic-laden, dusty city?
• Do you live in a house with a garden, in a country with a temperate climate?
• Do you have flowering plants in your home?
• Is your home cluttered with many objects and belongings?

If you answer yes to more than one of the above questions, you're likely to be in an environment that renders you prone to eye allergies. Beware!