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To understand the eye allergy, a look at the outer anatomy of the eye is essential. The tissue lining (mucus membrane) that covers the white surface of the eyeball and the inner folds of the eyelids is called conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is rich in blood vessels and contains more mast cells than the lungs. Located in the upper and outer portions of the eye, the lachrymal (tear) glands produce the watery component of tears. The cornea is the transparent sheath in front of the lens of the eye.

Unlike the hairs in the nose (cilia), the conjunctiva has no filtering system and it gets directly exposed to the environment when we open our eyes. Influenced by allergens, the allergy antibody, IGE, coats numerous mast cells in the conjunctiva. When exposed to the allergen again, the mast cell tends to release histamine and other mediators. It causes eye allergy resulting in itching, burning, and runny eyes. Although both eyes are usually affected, sometimes only one eye is involved, especially when only one eye is rubbed with an allergen.

Eye allergy can be of various types.

The most common among them is allergic conjunctivitis, also known as “allergic rhino conjunctivitis.” In this condition, which is usually seasonal, the inflammation of the conjunctiva enlarges its blood vessels leading to redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes.

“Atopic keratoconjunctivitis” is another kind of eye allergy that mostly affects adolescent boys, especially those who had atopic dermatitis in early childhood. Its symptoms are intensely itchy red areas on the eyelids, heavy discharge from the eyes, and scales and crusts on the skin of the eyelid.

Although not very common, vernal keratoconjunctivitis is another form of eye allergy ……

Read more here …… Eye allergy in most cases is linked to other allergic conditions, including hay fever or allergic rh