Eye-related symptoms include itching, burning, watering, dry eyes and redness. Allergies and nonallergic ailments such as viruses and bacterial infections can trigger these symptoms.  

Allergens such as pollens and molds, foods, latex, medications and many others can cause eyes to water, itch and burn. In addition, allergic conjunctivitis is a condition in which allergens directly affect the eyes and cause symptoms.

Allergies affect the eyes because the mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and the inner eyelid (conjunctiva) contains mast cells. These are the cells that release histamine and other chemicals that trigger symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Nonallergic ailments that can trigger eye symptoms include viral conjunctivitis (known as “pink eye”) and bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is much more common.

Eye-related allergy symptoms rarely have long-term consequences for a person’s vision if treated promptly. However, the discomfort they cause can interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities. Many medications are available to treat these symptoms.