# Eye Allergies from A to Z

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/eye-allergies-from-a-to-z

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-09

> **Summary:** Allergic conjunctivitis is a hypersensitivity reaction of the eye's surface membrane to substances such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animal hair, causing redness, itching and watering. It rises in spring with airborne pollen; the ophthalmologists at Kudret Eye İstanbul explain its types, causes and prevention.

## Quick Facts
- **Peak season:** Spring
- **Acute allergy:** Symptoms usually disappear within about 48 hours after contact with the allergen stops
- **Giant papillary conjunctivitis:** Seen in one in 100 contact lens wearers
- **Vernal keratoconjunctivitis:** Frequent in boys between the ages of 5 and 15
- **Meadow grass pollen in Turkey:** The most common allergy-causing species; spreads in May - July

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## Why Do Eyes Get Red?
Conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), one of the most common eye diseases in adults and children, is inflammation of the thin transparent membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Dilation of its blood vessels causes the redness. In allergic conjunctivitis the eye overreacts to substances such as pollen, chemicals, dust, animal hair and mould, causing oedema, burning, watering, itching and light sensitivity (photophobia).

## Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis
- **Seasonal:** periodic complaints from airborne substances such as pollen and mould; often with hay fever symptoms like runny nose and sore throat.
- **Perennial:** year-round, from house dust mites, animal hair and mould fungi; usually with persistent allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose).
- **Acute:** sudden swelling, watering, itching and redness of the lids after contact with eye drops, eye ointment, make-up, cosmetics or insect stings.
- **Giant papillary conjunctivitis:** uncommon, linked to contact lenses through inadequate hygiene, inappropriate lens use or poor quality solution.
- **Atopic keratoconjunctivitis:** in genetically allergy-prone people with asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis; rare but dangerous enough to cause vision loss.
- **Vernal (spring) keratoconjunctivitis:** in spring, especially in regions with warm, dry climates.

## Why Spring?
Pollen from the three main plant families that cause pollen allergy is most active in the air in spring. Increased spring rainfall and falling autumn leaves raise airborne mould.

## Prevention Advice
- See a doctor to confirm the allergy and its type; eye allergy can occur alone or with upper respiratory or skin allergies such as eczema.
- Do not rub or scratch your eyes; rubbing causes more damage.
- Pause contact lens use until your doctor approves.
- Avoid eye make-up during this period.
- Wash your hands often and pay attention to hand hygiene.
- With pollen allergy, wear sunglasses in spring even when it is not sunny.
- With dust mite allergy: use allergen-proof covers, change bed linen often and wash it at over 60 degrees Celsius, keep carpets and rugs out of the bedroom, avoid wool and feather materials and plush toys for children, choose sunlit, well-ventilated rooms and keep home humidity between 30-50%.
- With mould allergy, look after plumbing, insulation, framing, whitewash, painting and building maintenance.