Allergic conjunctivitis and papillary conjunctivitis are two different forms of conjunctivitis. Both allergic conjunctivitis and papillary conjunctivitis are caused by a hypersensitivity of the immune system. People who have asthma, allergies, or hay fever are at increased risk for allergic conjunctivitis and papillary conjunctivitis. There are similarities and differences between these forms of conjunctivitis caused by an overreaction of the immune system.

The common symptoms of allergic and papillary conjunctivitis are itchiness and irritation of the eye. Papillary conjunctivitis causes inflammation and swollen bumps on the underside of the eyelid. The triggers of allergic and papillary conjunctivitis are usually different.

Papillary conjunctivitis may be caused by irritants of the eyelid such as an irritating surface on the eye due to dirty contact lenses or artificial eyes. Papillary conjunctivitis is often associated with contact lens use, sutures on the eye, or having a glass eye. Contact lenses are especially problematic is they are not cleaned daily or proteins build up on the lenses.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by environmental allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis often causes tearing of the eyes. A person with allergic conjunctivitis is likely to have other symptoms of allergies such as a runny or stuffy nose. People who are prone to allergic and papillary conjunctivitis may often suffer from dry eyes when they do not have conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis does not usually affect the eyelids like papillary conjunctivitis does.

Wearing soft contact lens puts the person at greater risk of developing papillary conjunctivitis. Allergy season, such as when a large number of people have symptoms of hay fever or other seasonal allergies, may make people more susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis. Papillary conjunctivitis typically is not affected by seasons or environmental irritants, although it may be only if an irritant gets in the eye.

The symptoms of both allergic and papillary conjunctivitis can often be helped with the use of eye drops to rinse away any allergens from the surface of the eye and the use of cold compresses. Antihistamines may be part of the treatment for both allergic and papillary conjunctivitis. Medicated ointment may also be used for the treatment of papillary conjunctivitis.

Contact lens wearers who have papillary conjunctivitis are encouraged to stop wearing contact lenses or wear contact lenses that are daily disposable. Though people with allergic conjunctivitis may be more comfortable and respond better to treatment if they stop wearing their contact lenses, they are often able to go back to wearing contact lenses without any problems after the conjunctivitis clears.