What is a typical symptom of allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by a variety of symptoms, with one of the most common being stringy discharge accompanied by increased tearing. This occurs as the body's immune response to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball.

In allergic conjunctivitis, the discharge is typically clear and watery or may be stringy, distinguishing it from other types of conjunctivitis, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, which is associated with thicker, yellow or green discharge. The increase in tearing reflects the body’s attempt to flush out allergens and reduce irritation.

Additionally, individuals may experience redness and itching, but the key symptom that aligns with the response is the stringy discharge. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for differentiating allergic conjunctivitis from other ocular conditions, which may require different treatment approaches.