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Vernal conjunctivitis
     
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Vernal conjunctivitis

 

Vernal conjunctivitis is long-term (chronic) swelling (inflammation) of the outer lining of the eyes. It is due to an allergic reaction.

Vernal conjunctivitis often occurs in people with a strong family history of allergies. These may include allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema. It is most common in young males, and most often occurs during the spring and summer.

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Burning eyes.
  • Discomfort in bright light (photophobia).
  • Itching eyes.
  • The area around the cornea where the white of the eye and the cornea meet (limbus) may become rough and swollen.
  • The inside of the eyelids (most often the upper ones) may become rough and covered with bumps and white mucus.
  • Watering eyes.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform an eye exam.

 

Treatment

 

Avoid allergy triggers (allergens).

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 provider. Treatment 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 (may help prevent future attacks)
  • Mild steroids that are applied directly to the surface of the eye (for severe reactions)

Cyclosporine 0.1% eye drops contain a mild form of an immune-suppressing medicine and may help treat acute episodes of vernal conjunctivitis. They may also help prevent recurrences.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

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

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Continuing discomfort
  • Reduced vision
  • Scarring of cornea

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Contact your provider if your symptoms continue or get worse.

 

Prevention

 

Using air conditioning or moving to a cooler climate may help prevent the problem from getting worse in the future.

 

 

Open References

References

Barney NP. Allergic and immunologic diseases of the eye. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 38.

Bielory L, Bielory BP, Sicherer SH. Ocular allergies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 188.

Rubenstein JB, Patel P. Allergic conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.7.

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            Review Date: 1/27/2026

            Reviewed By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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