Allergic conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is a transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye, called the sclera. Inflammation of the conjunctiva is a fairly common condition that goes by the name of conjunctivitis and it can be caused by viral, infectious and allergic processes. 

Allergic conjunctivitis is one that occurs when the body comes into contact with an allergen such as pollen or dust and the immune system reacts very sharply against this external agent. Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common types of conjunctivitis and is usually very common in children.

Allergic conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is a transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye, called the sclera. Inflammation of the conjunctiva is a fairly common condition that goes by the name of conjunctivitis and it can be caused by viral, infectious and allergic processes. 

Allergic conjunctivitis is one that occurs when the body comes into contact with an allergen such as pollen or dust and the immune system reacts very sharply against this external agent. Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common types of conjunctivitis and is usually very common in children.

What is allergic conjunctivitis?

The conjunctiva is a thin and transparent membrane that covers the sclera and has the function protect the ocular structure from external agents. The conjunctiva is one of the parts of the eye that is most exposed to the outside and, therefore, has a greater risk of coming into contact with microscopic particles, toxic substances and allergens.

If a person is allergic to pollen, and their eyes come into contact with this allergen, it is very likely that trigger allergic conjunctivitis, which consists of inflammation of the conjunctiva due to an excessive response of the immune system to an allergenic agent.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be accompanied by other allergic manifestations such as rhinitis, asthma, and hives. The allergic reaction can be triggered by different allergens, but the most common are pollen and dust mites.

It has its highest peak of affectation between April and September, when spring begins and summer ends. This is because during this period there is a greater amount of pollen in the environment and, for this reason, it can also be called seasonal conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be a chronic condition, that is, it lasts over time. This generally occurs in patients who are allergic to dust mites and who can be in contact with the allergen throughout the year. In such cases, preventive measures must be comprehensive and home cleaning plays a fundamental role to avoid allergy crises.

The allergens that can cause conjunctivitis allergic are:

  • Cells, hair or dander of domestic animals.
  • Fungi that are present in mold.
  • Excessively humid environments.
  • Cosmetic products.
  • Antibiotic medications.
  • Poland.
  • Dust mites.

Causes

When the eyes come into contact with a certain allergen, the immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other mediators excessively. These substances They cause a reaction in the body called an allergy., which can cause different symptoms such as capillary dilation approximately 1 hour after being in contact with the allergen. 

Allergic conjunctivitis may be accompanied by other allergic responses such as rhinitis, asthma, hives and food allergies. 

Depending on its cause, it can be:

allergic conjunctivitis
  • seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: it is caused by pollen from flowers and shrubs, fungal spores and particles from trees or flowers that are found in the air among others. This allergic conjunctivitis occurs in spring, late summer, or early fall and ends during the winter months.
  • perennial allergic conjunctivitisAlso known as atopic keratoconjunctivitis, it is caused by dust mites, dander or animal hair and other factors not associated with a weather season. The allergens that cause this type of allergic conjunctivitis tend to cause discomfort throughout the year and are almost always found in homes.
  • vernal allergic conjunctivitis: This type of allergic conjunctivitis is the most serious and usually affects the male sex between 5 and 20 years of age who have suffered from asthma, eczema and seasonal allergies. This condition is most common in spring and early fall.

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes at the same time and can cause the following symptom:

  • Chronic itchy eyes. 
  • Eye redness due to dilation of the capillaries. 
  • Epiphora or excessive tearing
  • Eye discharge that can be watery, mucous or yellowish. 
  • Eyelid edema due to fluid retention. 
  • Sensation of having sand or some foreign body in the eyes. 
  • Photophobia or sensitivity to light. 
  • Whitish legañas. 
  • The conjunctiva may appear translucent or bluish.

Diagnosis

To diagnose allergic conjunctivitis it is important study the patient's symptoms and perform an eye exam. 

By studying the ocular structure with the slit lamp Obvious signs of an allergic reaction in the conjunctiva, such as the presence of eosinophils in smears, can be detected. 

This test is usually sufficient for the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. If the patient does not respond adequately to treatment or has a chronic conjunctivitis further studies may be necessary.

allergy conjunctivitis

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis

With few exceptions, for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis they are prescribed topical eye drops, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical corticosteroids, artificial tears, and oral antihistamines.

For a speedy recovery it is important that the patient complies with the following recommendations:

  • Don't rub your eyes Well, instead of calming the itch, it makes it worse.
  • Wash and disinfect the eyelids with distilled water and neutral pH soap.
  • Apply cold compresses over the eyes to relieve symptoms.
  • Don't wear perfumes no fragranced lotions.
  • Not wearing contact lenses.
  • Use sunglasses to protect the eyes.

To treat it is also important avoid, as far as possible, any contact with the allergenic factor that has triggered the disease. If the cause is pollen mites in the home, it is important to vacuum, rather than sweep, the house and rooms and avoid curtains and rugs.

How to prevent allergic conjunctivitis?

The best way to avoid allergic conjunctivitis is to prevent it, recognize the allergen factor and take all necessary measures not to be in contact with it. Some recommendations to prevent allergic conjunctivitis are: 

  • Clean the home daily and preferably with a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom.
  • Avoid having at home fabric drapes, rugs, suede or velvet blankets, stuffed animals and mosquito nets. 
  • Use synthetic mattresses and bedding to prevent mites from accumulating in them. 
  • Change the bedding every two days
  • Avoid the contact with animals that leave hair or dandruff. 
  • Use pollen filter in the car and drive with the windows closed. 
  • On spring or windy days keep house windows closed.
Summary
Allergic conjunctivitis. What is it, causes, symptoms and treatment
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Allergic conjunctivitis. What is it, causes, symptoms and treatment
Description
Allergic conjunctivitis is one that occurs when the body comes into contact with an allergen such as pollen or dust and the immune system reacts very abruptly against this external agent.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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