<unk>  <unk>  is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergy. Although allergens differ among patients, the most common cause is hay fever. Symptoms consist of redness (mainly due to vasodilation of the peripheral small blood vessels), edema (swelling) of the conjunctiva, itching, and increased lacrimation (production of tears). If this is combined with rhinitis, the condition is termed<unk>  rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). The symptoms are due to release of histamine and other<unk> tive substances by mast cells, which stimulate dilation of blood vessels, irritate nerve endings, and increase secretion of tears. Treatment of<unk>  is by avoiding the allergen (e.g., avoiding grass in bloom during "hay fever season") and treatment with antihistamines, either topical (in the form of eye drops), or systemic (in the form of tablets). Antihistamines, medications that stabilize mast cells, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally safe and usually effective.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Actinic conjunctivitis
Ligneous conjunctivitis
Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
Ocular larva migrans
Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis
Sympathetic ophthalmia
Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis