Kids with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (kon-junk-tih-VY-tis) get red, swollen, itchy, and watery eyes from being around pollens that they are allergic to in the air. They may also have a runny nose. The symptoms come on over days to weeks. Treatment with medicines and avoiding the pollen as much as possible can help with symptoms.

• To lower effects from pollen:
  • Keep your child inside when the pollen count is very high, with air conditioning on if possible.
  • Have your child shower before bed to remove pollen from their hair and body.
  • Have your child use a saline (saltwater) nasal spray to remove pollen from the nose. These are available at drugstores without a prescription.
  • Keep windows closed in the house and car.
  • Dust and vacuum often.
• Follow your health care provider's recommendations for:
  • using any medicines, including eye drops 
  • following up with an allergy doctor (if needed)
• If your child wears contact lenses, make sure they don't use them until the health care provider says it's OK.
• Encourage your child not to rub the eyes, because this can make symptoms worse.
• Apply cool compresses (a clean washcloth soaked in water) to the eye area for comfort.
• Ask your health care provider about starting allergy medicines a few weeks before your child usually develops symptoms. This can help prevent symptoms.

Your child:

• has redness that gets worse 
• has a lot of swelling around the eyes
• has yellow or green discharge coming from one or both eyes
• doesn't feel better after following the health care provider's instructions

What causes seasonal allergic conjunctivitis? It's caused by an allergic reaction to pollen in the air. The pollen usually follows a seasonal pattern: tree pollens in the spring, grass pollens in the summer, and weed pollens in the late summer and fall.

Is conjunctivitis the same as pinkeye? Yes, conjunctivitis is sometimes called pinkeye. This is because the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye) is inflamed and looks pink or red. Different things can cause pinkeye, including allergies, bacteria, or viruses.