What is Conjunctivitis?
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye, is referred to as conjunctivitis. This condition results in the eye appearing red. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs as a result of an allergy. The substances that trigger allergies are known as allergens. Every person has an allergy to one or more substances present in their environment. Common allergens include dried grass, pollen grains, and others. The list of allergens is extensive and varies from person to person. When an individual who is susceptible to allergies is exposed to these allergens, it leads to the release of certain chemicals in the tissues, such as histamines, by allergy-mediating cells like mast cells. This reaction results in symptoms such as itching, redness, and tearing of the eyes. Unlike traditional red eye or infective conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Symptoms and Signs of Conjunctivitis
Below we have mentioned some of the many signs of allergic conjunctivitis:
· Itching
· Watery eyes
· Redness & swelling
· Foreign body sensation
· Discomfort to light
How can it be diagnosed?
A routine examination conducted by an ophthalmologist is adequate. Certain indicators are particularly indicative of allergic conjunctivitis, such as papillae, ropy discharge, and limbal hyperplasia. To identify specific allergens, an allergy test may be performed on individuals susceptible to generalized systemic allergies, including asthma, eczema, and atopy. However, such tests are generally not advised, as avoiding these allergens can be quite challenging in everyday life.
List of allergens
· Pollen grains
· Dust
· Cosmetics (Kajal, eye liners, Mascara etc)
· Air pollution
· Smokes
· Eye drops (used for longer period like Anti glaucoma drops etc.)
Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis
· Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis & perennial allergic conjunctivitis (Most common types)
· Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (More common in Children)
· Giant papillary conjunctivitis (More common in daily contact lens users)
· Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis (Hypersensitivity to Staph. Aureus, TB bacilli)
How can it be treated? Know More About Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment.
Before addressing the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, it is essential to recognize that a complete cure for allergies is unattainable; however, the symptoms can be alleviated through medication. Rubbing the eyes due to itching can cause more harm than the allergy itself, thus it is crucial to refrain from excessive eye rubbing.
The ideal treatment involves avoiding allergens, but this is often easier said than done, as it can significantly disrupt one’s lifestyle and overall quality of life. The duration of allergic conjunctivitis is influenced by the type, severity, and the treatment administered, along with adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Medications available in the form of eye drops, such as mast cell stabilizers (Olopatadine, Sodium Cromoglycate), antihistamines (Ketotifen, Bepotastine), NSAIDs (ketorolac), steroids (loteprednol, FML, Difluprednate, Prednisolone, etc.), and immune modulators (Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus eye ointment), are effective in managing allergic conjunctivitis.
It is important to consult an ophthalmologist before initiating any eye drop treatment to prevent potential side effects.
Wearing sunglasses outdoors and applying cold compresses can help relieve allergic symptoms and act as effective home remedies for eye itching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Conjunctivitis
What are some home remedies for different types of eye allergies?
As previously stated, there are four categories of eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis. At the first sign of any symptoms related to an allergic eye, it is imperative to contact your ophthalmologist promptly for professional medical guidance. Given their expertise and access to appropriate tools, they will guarantee that you obtain the most effective treatment.
Nonetheless, there are various home remedies available for treating conjunctivitis, which may or may not yield positive results. Below, we have listed several remedies that you may consider trying:
• Consider using cold compresses on the eye to reduce the impact of the allergic reaction.
• If you possess lubricating eye drops at your residence, consider utilizing them, as they can help eliminate the allergens that have entered your eyes.
What are the differences between four types of allergic conjunctivitis?
There are four categories of allergic conjunctivitis: perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis. Each type of allergic eye condition is described below in a concise yet comprehensive manner:
- Perennial allergic conjunctivitis: This pertains to the inflammatory reaction that is abruptly initiated by contact with allergens such as animal dander, pollen, and various other antigens. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which persists for fewer than 4 weeks, constitutes the majority of ocular allergy cases.
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis:
This condition is a bilateral, seasonally occurring, and acute type of allergic inflammation that impacts the ocular surface. Compared to other forms of allergic conjunctivitis, it has the potential to inflict severe harm on the ocular surface of the eye, which may result in vision impairment or corneal scarring.
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis: This form of allergic eye condition results in redness, irritation, and swelling of the membrane lining within the eyelids. It is crucial to remember that individuals with an artificial eye or those who wear contact lenses are at the greatest risk of developing giant papillary conjunctivitis.
- Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis:
Nodular inflammation affecting the conjunctiva or cornea of the eye is referred to as phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis. This form of allergic eye response typically arises from an abrupt hypersensitivity reaction to specific antigens.
What are bacterial and viral conjunctivitis?
The majority of conjunctivitis cases are attributed to herpes simplex and adenovirus. These two types may present alongside respiratory infections and other cold-related symptoms, such as a sore throat. Conversely, wearing unclean contact lenses increases the risk of developing bacterial conjunctivitis.
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, as they can be transmitted through both direct and indirect contact with the fluid found in the eye of an infected individual.
How to prevent the spread of allergic conjunctivitis?
It is essential to maintain proper hygiene in order to manage the transmission of allergic conjunctivitis. Below, we have meticulously compiled a list of preventive strategies you can implement to prevent pink eye from occurring:
- Do not share washcloths or towels
- Wash your hands and do not touch your eyes
- Try to change your pillow covers between intervals
- Abstain from sharing personal eye care items and eye cosmetics
