The condition allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to something irritates them. In this blog post, we will cover what causes allergic conjunctivitis, what it is, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. It is also known as pink eye or hay fever eye.
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to substances that come in contact with the eyes. These substances are called allergens and can include:
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Mold spores
Dust mites
Animal dander
Chemicals, such as perfumes, cosmetics, or detergents
As a result of exposure to these allergens, the immune system produces histamine, which causes inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva. Eyelids and the white part of the eyes are covered by the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane.
The main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are:
Redness of the eyes
Itching of the eyes
Watery discharge from the eyes
Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
Swelling of the eyelids
Sensitivity to light
These symptoms usually affect both eyes at the same time and may vary in severity depending on the type and amount of allergen. There are two main types of allergic conjunctivitis:
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which occurs during certain times of the year, usually spring and summer, when pollen levels are high.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis, which occurs throughout the year and is usually triggered by indoor allergens, such as dust mites or animal dander.
To diagnose allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor will examine your eyes and ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and exposure to allergens. Your doctor may also perform some tests, such as:
An allergy skin test, which involves placing small amounts of different allergens on your skin and observing for any reactions, such as swelling or redness.
A conjunctival scraping, which involves taking a sample of cells from your conjunctiva and examining them under a microscope for signs of inflammation or infection.
A tear test, which measures the amount and quality of tears produced by your eyes.
Some of the options for treating allergic conjunctivitis depend on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. The main goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and to prevent or reduce contact with allergens.
Antihistamine eye drops, which block the action of histamine and reduce the inflammation and itching of the eyes.
Mast cell stabilizer eye drops, which prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals from the mast cells in the conjunctiva.
Decongestant eye drops, which constrict the blood vessels in the eyes and reduce the redness and swelling of the eyes.
Inflammation and itching in the eyes are reduced by corticosteroid eye drops. As these eye drops can cause increased eye pressure or cataracts, they should be used with caution if you have severe or chronic allergic conjunctivitis.
Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, which moisten the eyes and wash away the allergens and irritants from the eyes.
There are oral antihistamines that can relieve allergic conjunctivitis and other allergic symptoms, including sneezing or runny nose. However, some oral antihistamines can cause drowsiness or dryness of the eyes.
It involves gradually desensitizing the immune system and reducing the allergic response by exposing the body to small amounts of an allergen over a period of time. In cases of severe or persistent allergic conjunctivitis that do not respond to other treatments, this treatment is usually reserved.
The best way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid or minimize contact with the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Some of the preventive measures are:
Stay indoors when the pollen count is high, especially in the morning and evening, when the pollen levels are highest.
Keep your windows and doors closed and use air conditioning or air filters to reduce the amount of pollen and dust in your home.
Wear sunglasses or eyeglasses when you go outside to protect your eyes from the allergens and the sun.
Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, as this can worsen the irritation and introduce bacteria or viruses into your eyes.
Wash your hands frequently and use a clean towel or tissue to wipe your eyes.
Wash your bedding, curtains, and carpets regularly to remove dust mites and other allergens.
Avoid using cosmetics, perfumes, or other products that may irritate your eyes or cause an allergic reaction.
If you wear contact lenses, clean them properly and replace them as recommended by your eye doctor. You may also consider switching to daily disposable lenses or glasses during the allergy season.
Anyone who is sensitive to certain allergens can develop allergic conjunctivitis, a common and usually harmless condition. It can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily activities and quality of life. By following the above tips, you can reduce your exposure to the allergens, relieve your symptoms, and prevent complications. Consult your doctor or eye specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your eye health.
