Discharge Instructions - Allergic Conjunctivitis

As discussed in the Emergency Department prior to discharge, you were diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis.  Conjunctivitis, also called "pink eye," is defined as an inflammation of the conjunctiva.  The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes (called the sclera).  Conjunctivitis can affect children and adults.  The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include a red eye and discharge.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by airborne allergens that come in contact with the eye.  Symptoms may be sudden in onset (acute), seasonal, or present year-round (perennial), depending upon the allergen.

The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include redness, watery discharge, and itching of both eyes.  Other symptoms can include burning, sensitivity to light, and swelling of the eyelids.  Both eyes are usually affected, although symptoms may be worse in one eye.  Rubbing the eyes can worsen symptoms.

People with allergic conjunctivitis often have a history of other allergic conditions, such as eczema, seasonal allergies, or a specific allergy (eg, to cats).

There are a number of treatments available for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.  In addition, basic eye care is important.

Basic eye care:

-Avoid rubbing the eyes. If itching is bothersome, use artificial tears, a cool compress, or antihistamine eye drops.

-Minimize exposure to pollen by staying inside when possible, using air conditioning, and keeping car and home windows closed during the peak allergy seasons.

-People with year-round allergic conjunctivitis should consider consulting an allergy specialist to determine which allergens are responsible for their symptoms (eg, dust mites, cat dander, others).

You may use an over-the-counter antihistamine or vasoconstrictor eye drop for these symptoms like Visine up to 4 times a day for up to 2 weeks.  You may have been prescribed an antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drop such as Ketotifen for persistent symptoms.  In addition, you may have been prescribed an antihistamine oral medication, such as Fexofenadine (Allegra), Loratadine (Claritin), Desloratadine (Clarinex), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), and Levocetirizine (Xyzal).  Loratadine and Cetirizine are available in the United States without a prescription.

If symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis do not improve after two to three weeks of the above treatments, the person should see an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

Return to the Emergency Department for worsening eye pain, loss of vision, double vision, drainage of pus from the eye, or any new or concerning symptoms.