What is a common presentation of allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly presents with edema that resembles a 'cobblestone' appearance, which is characteristic of this condition. This visual manifestation occurs due to the swelling of the conjunctiva and the accumulation of inflammatory cells in response to allergens. The inflammation results in a bumpy texture on the surface of the conjunctiva, leading to that specific appearance.

In allergic conjunctivitis, symptoms also include itching and redness, which are a result of the body's immune response to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. The 'cobblestone' appearance is a key indicator that differentiates allergic conjunctivitis from other types of conjunctivitis.

While unilateral itchy eyes may occur in certain cases, allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes. Bilateral blurry vision is not a common symptom of this condition because the vision itself is generally not directly impaired, unlike conditions that affect the cornea. Furthermore, in allergic conjunctivitis, the cornea can appear normal, as the primary issue resides in the conjunctival tissue rather than altering the corneal structure. Thus, the 'cobblestone' appearance serves as a clear and distinctive feature in diagnosing allergic conjunctivitis.