Vernal conjunctivitis - Treatment

Treatment:

Avoid rubbing the eyes, because this can irritate them more.

Cold compresses (a clean cloth soaked in cold water and then placed over the closed eyes) may be soothing.

Lubricating drops may also help soothe the eye.

If home-care measures do not help, you may need to be treated by your health care provider. This may include:

Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drops that are placed into the eye
Eye drops that prevent a type of white blood cell called mast cells from releasing histamine (these drops are given together with antihistamines for moderate or severe reactions)
Mild steroids that are applied directly to the surface of the eye (for severe reactions)

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition continues over time (is chronic). It gets worse during certain seasons of the year, usually spring and summer. Treatment may provide relief.

Complications:

Continuing discomfort
Reduced vision
Scarring of cornea

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your symptoms continue or get worse.

Eye

Reviewed last on: 5/24/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Rubenstein JB, Virasch V. Allergic conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 4.7.

Barney NP, Graziano FM, Cook EB, Stahl JL. Allergic and immunologic diseases of the eye. In: Adkinson NF, Jr., ed. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 64.

Sowka JW, Gurwood AS, Kabat AG. Handbook of Ocular Disease Management. Accessed May 19, 2010.

Conjunctivitis

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