Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the entire white part of the eye. Proposing a good treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is important, since it is the inflammation of the conjunctiva that occurs when the eyes come into contact with an allergenic factor and the immune system reacts excessively.
Allergic conjunctivitis, depending on its cause, can be a transient, seasonal, or chronic condition. In any of the cases, it is important to treat this disease immediately to protect the conjunctiva and stop the symptoms that, almost always, are very annoying for the patient.
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the entire white part of the eye. Proposing a good treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is important, since it is the inflammation of the conjunctiva that occurs when the eyes come into contact with an allergenic factor and the immune system reacts excessively.
Allergic conjunctivitis, depending on its cause, can be a transient, seasonal, or chronic condition. In any of the cases, it is important to treat this disease immediately to protect the conjunctiva and stop the symptoms that, almost always, are very annoying for the patient.
Definition of allergic conjunctivitis
La allergic conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by eye contact with allergenic factors such as pollen. When the conjunctiva is inflamed blood capillaries become more visible and the eye takes on a deep pink or red appearance.
When the conjunctiva comes into contact with the allergenic factor, the body's immune system overreacts increasing the production of histamine and other substances, which are the cause of allergy symptoms.
The alergies can manifest in different waysFor this reason, allergic conjunctivitis may be accompanied by other conditions such as hives, eczema, asthma or rhinitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is more frequent than we think, tends to affect more children and the peak occurs during spring and summer, which is known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. However, some people suffer from chronic allergic conjunctivitis because of allergens that are present throughout the year, such as dust mites.
Diagnosis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a disease that is easily recognized due to its symptomatology:
- Chronic itchy eyes.
- Red eyes.
- Watery, mucous or yellowish discharge.
- Legañas on the eyelids.
- Eyelid edema due to fluid retention.
- Sensation of having grit inside the eye.
- Excessive tearing.
- Light sensitivity or photophobia.
To make the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, we examine the patient using a slit lamp. Thanks to this diagnostic instrument, the presence of dilated capillaries, papillae on the inner part of the eyelids and eosinophils in the conjunctival smears can be observed in detail.
Usually slit lamp examination and patient symptoms confirms the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. However, in some cases other tests may be needed to find out which allergen has caused this disease. These tests can be:
- Complete analytics.
- Tear study.
- Conjunctival provocation test.
- Topical allergy tests.
- allergy test
How to treat allergic conjunctivitis?
The treatment of allergic conjunctivitis aims to stop allergic reaction and inflammation of the conjunctiva to reduce symptoms.
La hygiene plays a fundamental role in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, since it is necessary keep your eyes clean and prevent buildup of discharge to prevent infection. The ideal is to wash the eyes with serum and then dry them with a disinfected towel.
It is also very important avoid touching your eyes, rubbing, or scratching, as this, instead of offering relief, worsens the symptoms of conjunctivitis and further reddens the eye structure. Also, touching your eyes can carry germs to them and cause an infection.
To treat allergic conjunctivitis, the following is usually prescribed:
- Artificial tears 4 or 5 times a day and after each wash.
- cold compresses to relieve symptoms and reduce eyelid inflammation.
- antihistamine eye drops.
- Oral antihistamines.
- Anti-inflammatories no steroids.
- mast cell stabilizers.
- eye washes 5 times a day with physiological serum.
- Not wearing contact lenses.
- Don't wear perfume nor any scented lotion.
Prevention of allergic conjunctivitis
Prevention is the best treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. To prevent this disease it is important know what the allergen is that has triggered it and avoid exposure to it as much as possible.
Some measures to prevent conjunctivitis allergic are:
- Clean the house every day, preferably with a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom.
- Avoid the use of rugs, curtains, stuffed animals and any suede or velvet object.
- Use a anti-mite mattress for the bed.
- Use synthetic bedding to prevent mites from concentrating on it.
- Use car pollen filter and drive with windows closed during the spring and summer seasons.
- Avoid contact with pets that can leave hair or dandruff.
- Keep home windows closed during very windy days.
When allergies are a chronic and persistent condition, it is important to visit a allergy specialist. Allergists can assess whether it is necessary to prescribe a stronger and longer treatment to help the immune system protect itself and act correctly against certain allergens such as mites.
