Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever)

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (Hayfever)

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (Hayfever)?

    Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, or hay fever, is the most common type of ocular allergy. As its name suggests, it is related to specific pollens that release spores during specific seasons: May and June (grass pollen) and August and September (ragweed pollen). Itching is a dominant symptom in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis, as well as watery/mucus discharge, burning, and redness. If you are affected by hay fever and other seasonal allergies, you may also experience symptoms involving the nose and throat.

    Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is a year-round allergic condition. These allergic responses are often related to animal dander, dust, or other allergens present in the environment year round. Symptoms are similar to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis but tend to be milder.

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an appointment, please call 734-764-4190.

    What are the symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis?
    • Swelling or puffiness of the eyes
    • Redness
    • Itching       
    • Tearing
    • Mucous discharge

    The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

    How is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis diagnosed?

    Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis usually is diagnosed with a thorough clinical exam and careful history. Skin testing by an allergist may help identify the inciting allergens.

    How is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis treated?

    Before the advent of modern medications, treatment for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis was limited to eye washes that would cleanse the allergen from the eye and provide short-term relief. Today, many treatments are available for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. They include:

    • Lubricants
    • Decongestants
    • Antihistamines
    • Decongestant/antihistamine combinations
    • Mast cell stabilizers
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
    • Steroids

    Your choice of therapy will depend on the intensity of the allergic response. Since histamines cause most of the common symptoms associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamines or histamine blockers can be effective.

    Locations
    • Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Cataract Surgery Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Floor 1
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Canton Health Center 1051 N Canton Center Rd
      Canton, MI 48187-5097       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Chelsea Health Center 14700 E Old US Highway 12
      Floor 1
      Chelsea, MI 48118-1185       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | River Place Office Building 1974 N Huron River Dr
      River Place Offices
      Ypsilanti, MI 48197-1654       Get Directions

    Doctors

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    Jill Elizabeth Bixler, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Theresa M Cooney, MD

    Theresa M Cooney, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Julia Dalia, M.D.

    Julia Dalia, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Joshua Robert Ehrlich, MD

    Joshua Robert Ehrlich, MD, MPH

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Angela Elam, MD

    Angela Renee Elam, MD, MPH

    Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics Ophthalmology

    Charles R. Frank

    Charles Ross Frank, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Sarah Jayne Garnai, MD

    Sarah Jayne Garnai, MD

    Clinical Instructor

    Ophthalmology

    Sean Hansen, MD

    Sean Owen Hansen, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Vanitha Isaac Jeyaraj, MD

    Vanitha Isaac Jeyaraj, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Ariane Dev Kaplan, MD

    Ariane Dev Kaplan, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

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