Allergic Conjunctivitis
What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. Often called “pink eye,” it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white of the eyeball, and helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious
It can be seasonal, year round or occupationa
What are the triggers of Eye allergy?
Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. Often called “pink eye,” it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white of the eyeball, and helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious
Pet hair or dander, dust mites and moulds are the most common indoor allergens. These indoor allergens can trigger symptoms for some people throughout the year, resulting in perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust may inflame your eyes. They can act as irritants that cause non-allergic symptoms, or they can make your allergic response worse.
What are the types of Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis may be divided into 5 major subcategories.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) are commonly grouped together in Mild acute Allergic conjunctivitis or Hay Fever Conjunctivitis.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) constitute the remaining subtypes of allergic conjunctivitis, and are grouped together in Chronic Conjunctivitis.
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis & Perennial Conjunctivitis
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs at the same time each year.Most cases are due to pollen and occur in the hay fever season.Symptomstend to last a few weeks each year and may vary withthe pollen countperennial conjunctivitis is a conjunctivitis that persists throughout the year (perennial means through the year). This is most commonly due to an allergy to house dust mite
Allergies to Animals
Coming into contact with some animals can cause allergic conjunctivitis. This is usually due to allergy to fur or hair.
Vernal Kerato Conjunctivitis
VKC is a chronic bilateral inflammation of the conjunctiva, commonly associated with a personal and/or family history of atopy. More than 90% of patients with VKC exhibit one or more atopic conditions, such as asthma, eczema, or seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs at the same time each year.Most cases are due to pollen and occur in the hay fever season.Symptomstend to last a few weeks each year and may vary withthe pollen countperennial conjunctivitis is a conjunctivitis that persists throughout the year (perennial means through the year). This is most commonly due to an allergy to house dust mite
This is uncommon. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva lining the upper eyelid.
It occurs in some people who have a small object on the eye – most commonly, a contact lens.
It affects about 1 in 100 wearers of contact lenses. The exact cause of the inflammation is unclear -it is possibly an allergic reaction to debris caught behind a lens or to poor lens hygiene.
It also sometimes develops after eye surgery.
Atopic Kerato Conjunctivitis
AKC is a bilateral inflammation of conjunctiva and eyelids, which has a Atopic keratoconjunctivitisstrong association with atopic dermatitis. It is also a type I hypersensitivity disorderwith many similarities to VKC, yet AKC is distinct in a number of ways. Atopic dermatitis is a common hereditary disorder that usually has its onset in childhood;symptoms may regress with advancing age. Approximately 3% of the populationis afflicted with atopic dermatitis, and, of these, approximately 25% have ocular involvement.
Contact Conjunctivitis
Some people become sensitised to cosmetics, make-up, eye drops or other chemicalsthat come intocontact with the conjunctiva. This then causes an allergic response and symptoms of conjunctivitis.
In this condition the skin on the eyelids may also become inflamed. It is then called contact dermatoconjunctivitis.
What are the Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis?
People affected by allergic conjunctivitis generally have a specific set of eye symptoms, including:
1
Itching
2
Redness of eyes
3
Burning
4
Mild sensitivity to light (Photophobia)
5
Stringy or ropy discharge
6
Teary eyes with a watery discharge
7
Stinging
Are there any possible complications?
Seasonal and perennial conjunctivitis can be unpleasant, but complications are rare. Contact dermatoconjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis occasionally cause inflammation and ulceration of the cornea (keratitis). Some permanent loss of vision may occur if these are left untreated.
What is the treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis?
General measures
The following can be useful whatever the cause of the allergic conjunctivitis:
Treatment for seasonal, perennial and animal-related conjunctivitis
In addition to the general measures described above:
Eye drops that reduce the allergic reaction are often prescribed. Tablets may also be prescribed. All medicines should only be taken under medical supervision.
What should I look out for?
You should see a Qualified Allergist, if you are uncertain what is causing your symptoms and the symptoms do not settle within a few days. Also, see a Qualified Allergist urgently if any of the following occur:
Symptoms change (for example, light starts to hurt your eyes).
You have pain in the eye (mild soreness rather than pain is usual with conjunctivitis).
Spots or blisters develop on the skin next to the eye.
Your vision is reduced.
The eye becomes very red – in particular, if it is on one side only.
Do’s and Don’ts of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Dos
Drink adequate amount of water
Use sunglasses
Use cold compresses
Increase intake of fruits
Take prescribed medicines regularly, relapses are common in allergic conjunctivitis
Don’ts
