Which type of conjunctivitis can occur due to allergens and environmental factors?

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs as a result of the eye's reaction to allergens and environmental factors, such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. This type of conjunctivitis is characterized by itching, redness, and tearing, distinguishing it from other forms related to infections. When the eyes come into contact with these allergens, the immune system reacts, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and discomfort. This context is key in understanding how allergic conjunctivitis manifests and how it differs from bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, which are caused by infectious agents. Additionally, ophthalmia neonatorum is specifically associated with newborns and pathogens contracted during childbirth, reinforcing that only allergic conjunctivitis is driven by environmental and allergenic triggers.