Marais, Andre2016-06-142016-06-142016Marais, A 2016, 'The allergic eye', South African Family Practice, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 6-10.2078-6190 (print)2078-6204 (online)http://hdl.handle.net/2263/53106Allergic conjunctivitis is a common condition encountered by the healthcare professional. Several factors have been implicated as possible causes and almost all involve an IgE mediated immune response. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and if misdiagnosed, or incorrect treatment is given, the result could lead to permanent vision loss. It is important for the general practitioner to differentiate between allergic, bacterial and viral causes of conjunctivitis, and to treat and refer appropriately.en© 2016 The Author(s). Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons License [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0].Allergic conjunctivitisAtopic keratoconjunctivitisGiant papillary conjunctivitisTreatmentVernal keratoconjunctivitisArticle