There are two main types of allergic conjunctivitis:
Acute allergic conjunctivitis - Acute allergic conjunctivitis typically occurs during allergy season and happens suddenly, often at the same time as a watery nose.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis - Chronic allergic conjunctivitis is a rarer condition, happens year-round and the symptoms tend to be milder.
Symptoms will vary and depend on how allergic a child is to the trigger.
The main signs of allergic conjunctivitis include the following symptoms of the eye(s):
Dryness
Irritation or pain
Itchiness, redness and/or water
Swelling
If the child has severe, continuing pain, excess yellow discharge, or their eyes are crusted shut upon awakening, these can be signs of an eye infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when an allergen enters a child's eye, either through the air or when the child touches an allergen and then rubs their eye.
Triggers vary between children, as do allergies and the severity of the reaction to each trigger.
They can include:
Dust mites
Pollen from grass, ragweed and trees
Mold spores
Animal dander
Chemicals (detergents or perfume)
Smoke or air pollution