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Allergic conjunctivitis in the eye of a 59-year- old woman. The redness seen was caused by an allergic reaction to the chemical hydrogen peroxide in a contact lens cleaning solution. Her conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the sclera (the outer layer of the eyeball) has become red and swollen. It is also producing a watery discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis is common, and can also be triggered by factors such as cosmetics and pollen. Treatment includes avoiding any known cause and using antihistamine eye drops to relieve the symptoms. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/DR P. MARAZZI)