Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye problem that affects people of all ages, especially during seasonal changes.
This condition typically occurs due to outdoor allergens, such as pollen and grass.
Most people experience allergic conjunctivitis in spring and summer, while fall cases are less common.
If your eyes are red, itchy, and watery, you might be asking: How long does allergic conjunctivitis last?
Well, it really depends on what kind of allergy you have, what triggers it, and how you decide to treat it.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how long allergic conjunctivitis can last.
What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. It happens because of allergens.
When you come into contact with these allergens, your immune system starts working and releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to swelling, redness, and that annoying itch.
The good news is that allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, which makes it different from viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye.
If you have allergic conjunctivitis, you might notice symptoms like red eyes, watery discharge, and a burning or itchy feeling in both eyes.
You could also be sensitive to light, have swollen eyelids, or even experience some blurred vision.
These symptoms typically affect both eyes and can vary in severity from person to person.
What Causes Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis can happen because of different allergens, such as:
- Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds (especially annoying in spring and fall)
- Makeup or contact lens solutions
- Pet hair
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Smoke or dirty air
How long your symptoms stick around really depends on what you’re allergic to and how long you’ve been exposed to it.
Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis and Duration
There are two main types of allergic conjunctivitis: seasonal and perennial.
Which one is bothering you? Let’s see.
1. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis is usually triggered by allergens in the air, such as pollen from trees, grass, and weeds.
It often shows up in spring, summer, and early fall, and the symptoms can stick around for a few days or even weeks, depending on how much you’re exposed to the allergens.
This type of conjunctivitis is pretty common and is often linked to hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
If you take a break somewhere far away during the height of pollen season and find that your symptoms vanish, that’s a strong hint that your conjunctivitis is allergy-related.
2. Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
Cause: Year-round allergens like pet dander, dust mites, or indoor mold.
Common Time: All year long.
Duration: Chronic; symptoms may persist or flare up periodically depending on exposure.
PAC typically presents with milder symptoms but can be more persistent. Long-term exposure to indoor allergens may result in repeated or chronic inflammation unless the trigger is removed.
How Long Does Allergic Conjunctivitis Last Without Treatment?
Allergic conjunctivitis can last a long time if you don’t treat it.
It might only last a few hours to a few days if you were only exposed to something for a short time.
If you are exposed to allergens like pollen or dust mites, they can affect you for weeks or even months.
Your body keeps reacting as long as it senses that trigger. So, even if the symptoms are mild, they can linger if you’re regularly exposed.
This doesn’t mean you’ll have an eye emergency or something serious like glaucoma down the line, but dealing with allergic conjunctivitis all the time can be a real hassle.
On the bright side, things might clear up naturally when the allergen levels drop, like after a change in season, a good cleaning, or if you move to a new place.
How Long Does It Take to Clear Up With Treatment?
Allergic conjunctivitis usually improves quickly with proper treatment:
- Antihistamine eye drops can help you feel better in 1 to 2 days.
- Oral antihistamines may take 1 to 3 days to reduce swelling.
- Cold compresses and artificial tears give immediate but short-term relief.
- And of course, avoiding triggers can help you improve and prevent future issues.
With regular treatment and by staying away from allergens, most people notice a significant improvement within a few days to a week.
Can Allergic Conjunctivitis Become Chronic?
If you’re around allergens all the time, allergic conjunctivitis can turn into a long-term issue, especially the kind called Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis.
This ongoing inflammation can cause problems like thicker eyelids, the urge to rub your eyes (which might make things worse), and discomfort when wearing contacts.
Dealing with chronic allergic conjunctivitis means more than just finding quick relief; it also involves managing your environment and taking steps to prevent it from flaring up.
Best Preventive Measures to Minimize Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, but there are some ways to minimize exposure to allergens and manage your symptoms:
Identify and Avoid Allergens
Figure out what’s causing your allergies and try to limit your exposure.
Stay inside when pollen counts are high, use air purifiers at home, and keep pets out of your bedroom to cut down on pet dander.
Clean Regularly
Dust and vacuum your place often, and use HEPA filters to catch those tiny particles that irritate your eyes.
Toss your bedding in hot water every week to get rid of dust mites.
Protective Eyewear
Put on glasses or sunglasses when you’re outdoors to shield your eyes from allergens in the air.
Eye Hygiene
Avoid rubbing your eyes since that can make things worse.
Instead, gently wipe your eyelids with a clean, damp cloth to remove allergens.
Consult an Eye Doctor
If your allergic conjunctivitis is really bothering you or sticking around, it might be a good idea to see an eye doctor.
They can offer you personalized tips and treatment options, like allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help your body become less sensitive to allergens over time.
If you’re in Toronto, Vision Care Centre offers comprehensive eye care services for adults & seniors, and children.
When to See a Doctor
You should think about booking an eye exam with us if:
- Your symptoms stick around for more than a week without getting better.
- Your vision starts to get blurry or gets worse.
- You’re feeling pain or like something’s stuck in your eye.
- You notice you’re extra sensitive to light.
- Over-the-counter medicine isn’t working.
Sometimes, what feels like allergies might actually be caused by an eye infection, dry eyes, or something else going on.
An eye exam can help figure out what’s up and point you towards the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I go to work or school if I have allergic conjunctivitis?
Yes, you can. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious like viral pink eye. However, if your eyes are very red or painful, it might be better to stay home and rest.
Will wearing contact lenses make allergic conjunctivitis worse?
It might. Allergens can stick to your contact lenses, making your symptoms worse.
Try wearing glasses for a while or ask your eye doctor about daily disposable lenses during allergy season.
Is allergic conjunctivitis the same as pink eye?
Not exactly. “Pink eye” refers to different types, including viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis comes from allergens, not infections, and it is not contagious.
How long should I use allergy eye drops?
Follow the instructions on the label or your doctor’s advice. Some drops are okay for daily use during allergy season, while others should only be used for a short time.
Always check with an eye doctor before using them long-term.
In Summary
How long does allergic conjunctivitis last?
For seasonal cases, symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.
For chronic cases, symptoms may continue for months unless you reduce your exposure to allergens.
The good news is that with treatment, most people start feeling better in just a few days.
At Vision Care Centre, we focus on diagnosing and treating allergic eye conditions.
If you’re in Toronto, book an eye exam.
