Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation. Inflammation occurs as a result of the eye's allergic reaction to external influences. These eye allergies are often triggered by pollen and pet dander, so spring and summer months can exacerbate symptoms. Eye allergy is not contagious, but hygiene is very important for treatment to occur in a short time. There is more than one trigger for allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy symptoms may persist for different periods of time depending on the cause of conjunctivitis.

What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctiva is a tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner part of the eyelids. This tissue helps protect the eye from the harmful effects of airborne smoke, bacteria, allergens, sun and wind. Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation that produces red, swollen, and discharge in response to these harmful effects. In fact, the reason for the reactions is that conjunctivitis tries to protect the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually caused by sensitivity to pollens, dust mites, or animals. Treatment may vary depending on the factor causing the allergy, as well as the severity of the allergy.

The best thing to do to prevent allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid exposure to the allergen. Rubbing or touching the eyes can trigger this condition. Therefore, hands should be cleaned before touching the eyes. However, if exposure to allergens has occurred, recovery can be achieved in a short time with an appropriate care and treatment plan. Allergic conjunctivitis is not dangerous, but if not detected and treated correctly, it can cause dangerous health problems such as corneal ulcers and vision loss. For this reason, the person should not use medication or intervene without the control of an ophthalmologist.

What Causes Allergic Conjunctivitis?

The human body produces histamine to fight foreign factors. With the increase in histamine release, the body begins to give allergic reactions. Allergy symptoms occur when the body tries to defend itself against a perceived threat. If this defense occurs in the conjunctivitis layer due to allergens to which the eye is exposed, allergic conjunctivitis occurs. Increased pollen in spring and summer is one of the biggest causes of this problem. At the same time, situations such as dirty air, being in a dusty environment or being in the same environment with animals increase the contact of the eyes with these substances. After increased contact, the conjunctiva begins to defend itself. Some substances that cause this reaction include:

• Pollen from trees and grass
• House dust
• Pets
• Detergents with high chemical content
• Perfume
• Contact lenses

What are the Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis?

There are multiple factors that cause the conjunctiva to create a defense mechanism. These may be seasonal or may occur due to contact lenses that are in constant contact with the eye. The cause of conjunctivitis may also affect symptoms. Types of allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: Pollen is among the common causes of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as hay fever, may occur due to increased pollen, especially during the pollen season. In general, sensitive people tend to have this allergy.
• Contact conjunctivitis: Contact conjunctivitis occurs due to exposure to chemicals. It is usually caused by chemicals that irritate the conjunctiva, such as cosmetics and eye drops. Contact with these substances causes allergic symptoms in sensitive people. At the same time, eye contact with products used by more than one person is also a major factor.
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis: Giant papillary conjunctivitis occurs as a result of eye wear, especially due to misuse of contact lenses. While it may be caused by the use of thick lenses, the main reason is inadequate hygiene. Contamination from the person's hands while wearing or removing lenses causes an allergic reaction in the eye.
• Perineal conjunctivitis: Dust mites are frequently found allergens, especially in the home environment. Exposure to these allergens causes some people to develop allergy symptoms in the conjunctiva as well. It manifests itself with a number of symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and contraction of the respiratory tract. It also causes an allergic response in the eyes.

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Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Blood vessels swell due to increased histamine in the conjunctiva, eyes become red and itchy. Allergic conjunctivitis usually causes pink or red itchy eyes. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis usually appear in both eyes. One of the most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis is a rash. The eyelid itself may also become red due to irritation. Eyes affected by allergic conjunctivitis become very itchy. Other allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose may also occur. However, these symptoms occur more frequently, especially in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. In the seasonal type of allergic conjunctivitis, symptoms vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. But those with more general allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, are likely to have symptoms year-round. Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms include:

• Eye redness

• Redness inside the eyelids

• Tearing eyes

• Itchy eyes

• Runny nose

• Stinging sensation

• Blurred vision

• Sneezing

• Swelling in the eyelid

How to Diagnose Allergic Conjunctivitis?

In the conjunctivitis examination, the person's medical history and symptoms are learned. The most characteristic feature of allergic conjunctivitis is itching, burning and eye redness. The eyes often feel uncomfortable, but most of the time there is no pain. These symptoms are not specific to allergic conjunctivitis and may indicate an alternative, more serious condition such as uveitis, acute glaucoma, and eye infection. Therefore, further examinations may be required to diagnose conjunctivitis.

If the person has symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, a physical examination is first performed. The doctor checks the eyelid and inner parts of the eyelid. For diagnosis, in some people, a slit lamp microscope can help clearly visualize the conjunctival blood vessels. Small, raised bumps may be present on the inside of the eyelids. Swelling of the eyelids is more common in papillary conjunctivitis. This symptom occurs especially in contact lens-related conjunctivitis. Allergy tests may also be performed for suspected allergens, which can reveal pollen or other substances that trigger symptoms. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing, but this test is generally used in cases where there is no response to treatment.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment?

The secretion of histamine can be reduced to eliminate the symptoms caused by histamine secretion. Allergy-related conjunctivitis may improve when treated with antihistamines. However, for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, it is important to first determine the cause. Depending on the cause, changes may occur in the treatment to be applied. When necessary for treatment, eye drops with various ingredients can be used. These eye drops are also available in steroid forms for severe cases. Things that can be applied to accelerate healing with allergic conjunctivitis treatment under the supervision of a doctor are as follows:

• Avoiding the cause of allergy

• Cold compress to soothe the eyes. to apply

• Avoid rubbing eyes

• Pay attention to contact lens cleaning

• Preventing eye contact with chemicals

• Not contacting eyes without washing hands

• In serious cases, not using contact lenses for a while

Eye Drops for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Eye drops are often prescribed to relieve allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. There are eye drops with various ingredients used for eye allergies, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. While some drops have an immediate soothing effect, others start to work within a few days. However, using these drops without a doctor's supervision may cause symptoms to worsen. Using it for more than a few days may worsen symptoms. These drops should be used regularly for the period determined by the ophthalmologist.