Allergic Conjunctivitis

Filed in archive Allergy Basics , Dust Mite Allergies , Hay Fever on July 21, 2009

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye characterized by redness, irritation and watering of the eyes. While there are many causes of conjunctivitis, one the more common culprit is an allergic reaction.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, allergic conjunctivitis is:

an immunologic reaction of the conjunctivae mediated by immunoglobulin E that is associated with itching, redness, and tearing; it is typically seasonal, is brought about by allergy (rather than infection), may be associated with other stigmata of allergic reactions, and may affect up to 10% of the population.

Obviously, an allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and not to be confused with infective conjunctivitis.