How do I know it’s allergies and not pink eye?

Itching in both eyes, watery discharge and seasonal timing point to allergy. Infections tend to produce thicker discharge; viruses often follow a cold.

Are drugstore drops enough?

Sometimes — but redness-remover drops can rebound, and prescription options control the itch better. An exam matches the drop to the problem.

My child rubs their eyes constantly. Does it matter?

Yes. Beyond comfort, chronic rubbing stresses the cornea and is a risk factor for keratoconus progression. It’s worth treating properly.

Can allergies cause dry eye?

Yes, in two ways. Allergy inflames the surface of the eye, which can bring on dry eye, and the oral antihistamines taken for sneezing reduce tear production. Allergy eye drops, which can combine an antihistamine with a mast-cell stabilizer, treat the itch at the eye itself; when dryness persists, the two conditions are treated together.

Can allergies cause pink eye?

Yes. Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of pink eye: the layer over the white of the eye is inflamed, so the eye reddens and waters. Unlike viral or bacterial pink eye, it is not contagious, it can itch intensely, it usually affects both eyes, and it flares with high pollen counts, dust mites or pet dander.

What causes eye allergies?

Allergens that reach the eye's surface: pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and sometimes medicines or cosmetics. The allergic reaction, including histamine released from mast cells, brings itching, watering, redness and swelling. Pollen causes seasonal flares and indoor allergens year-round symptoms, and in Los Angeles the pollen season barely ends.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Eye Allergies: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

If the lead symptom is itching, think allergy.

Allergic conjunctivitis is the eye’s response to pollen, dust, pet dander or mold: itching, watering, redness and puffy lids, usually in both eyes. In Southern California the season barely ends — and the rubbing it provokes causes problems of its own.

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Lead symptom: Itching, both eyes
Triggers: Pollen, dust, pets, mold
Treated with: Allergy drops + trigger control
Caution: Eye rubbing harms corneas

Typical allergy pattern

Intense itching, often at the inner corners
Watery eyes and puffy lids
Both eyes at once
Flares with seasons, dust, or specific places
A history of hay fever, asthma or eczema

Why rubbing matters

Keratoconus is more likely to progress in people who rub their eyes or have allergy or atopy. Controlling the itch is not just comfort — it protects the cornea, especially in children and teens.

About keratoconus →

Care

Breaking the itch-rub cycle.

Prescription-strength allergy drops that work better than the redness removers on the shelf
Cool compresses and preservative-free tears to wash allergen off the surface
Trigger control: filters, bedding, washing hands and face after outdoor time
Treating the dry eye that often coexists: an unstable tear film lets allergens linger

If itching is severe in a child who rubs constantly, our eye doctors in Los Angeles also examine the cornea: allergy, rubbing and keratoconus travel together.

Not sure it’s allergy?

Itch points to allergy. Pain points elsewhere.

Painful or light-sensitive eyes need a same-day exam
Thick discharge suggests infection rather than allergy
One-sided redness deserves a closer look

Urgent eye care

Common questions

Eye allergies, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Itching in both eyes, watery discharge and seasonal timing point to allergy. Infections tend to produce thicker discharge; viruses often follow a cold.
Sometimes — but redness-remover drops can rebound, and prescription options control the itch better. An exam matches the drop to the problem.
Yes. Beyond comfort, chronic rubbing stresses the cornea and is a risk factor for keratoconus progression. It’s worth treating properly.
Yes, in two ways. Allergy inflames the surface of the eye, which can bring on dry eye, and the oral antihistamines taken for sneezing reduce tear production. Allergy eye drops, which can combine an antihistamine with a mast-cell stabilizer, treat the itch at the eye itself; when dryness persists, the two conditions are treated together.
Yes. Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of pink eye: the layer over the white of the eye is inflamed, so the eye reddens and waters. Unlike viral or bacterial pink eye, it is not contagious, it can itch intensely, it usually affects both eyes, and it flares with high pollen counts, dust mites or pet dander.
Allergens that reach the eye's surface: pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and sometimes medicines or cosmetics. The allergic reaction, including histamine released from mast cells, brings itching, watering, redness and swelling. Pollen causes seasonal flares and indoor allergens year-round symptoms, and in Los Angeles the pollen season barely ends.

Also consider

Next step

Stop the itch properly.

Book an exam and get allergy treatment that actually matches the cause.

Book Today Or call 310-828-2010