Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis – General Information

The Allergic Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the white part of the eye, caused by an allergy. Although the causes of the allergy differ among the patients, the most common Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by hay fever. Hay fever also known as allergic rhinitis is due to pollens of the plants, to airborne chemicals and to dust. The good news is that although the conjunctivitis is uncomfortable and irritating it does not affect the view of the patients. Other causes of the Allergic Conjunctivitis are the followings:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Irritating substances such as dirt, smoke, pool chlorine, shampoo, etc.
• Diseases which are sexually transmitted.
• Different allergens
• Trees
• Grass
• Weed pollens
• Mold spores
• House dust
• Animal hair or feathers
• Scents
• Cosmetics, eye make-up, eye-drops, and other chemicals

If the patients have conjunctivitis due to the viruses and the sexually transmitted disease can infest other people with whom they come in contact, but if the disease is diagnosed in its early stage and if the patients to not touch their eyes and wash their hands regularly is not contagious.
In order for the doctor to establish a diagnostic, he will tell the patients to make a skin test for the suspected allergens, he will search for raised bumps on the inside of the eyelids (which is called papillary conjunctivitis) and he will try to detect the presence of the eosinophils (which are one of the types of blood cells) in secretions.

Allergic Conjunctivitis – Symptoms

It is well known the fact that any medical disorder (including Allergic Conjunctivitis) can trigger a variety of symptoms. Therefore, some of this medical condition's most uncommon symptoms have not been listed (mentioned) here. This is why we strongly recommend you to contact your personal health care provider whenever you develop any unusual, bothersome or unpleasant symptoms. Your personal physician will be able to tell you if you are suffering from Allergic Conjunctivitis or from any other medical disorder.
Here is a list of the Allergic Conjunctivitis’ most common symptoms:

• Usually the both eyes are affected
• Red eyes
• Dilated vessels of the conjunctiva
• Itching
• Burning eyes
• Scratching eyes
• Tearing
• Puffy eyelids, usually in the mornings
• Stringy eye discharge
• Mild or severe swelling of the conjunctiva and also eyelids
• Nasal symptoms such as: runny and itchy nose
• Sensitivity to light
• Dry eye – in the chronic conjunctivitis
• Stringy, opaque, yellowish or grey mucopurulent discharge
• Matting
• Severe crusting of the eye and the skin that surrounds it
• Pain
• Edema of the conjunctiva
• Blurred vision
• A sensation of sand in the eyes
• Sneezing
• Itchiness at the back of the throat
• Sore throat and fever are symptoms of the viral conjunctivitis
• The eyes may look also pink, instead of red
• Lumpy conjunctiva
• Tender lymph nodes around the ear or the neck – these are not encountered in all of the patients.

Allergic Conjunctivitis - Treatment

Diagnose of Allergic Conjunctivitis is usually made after a control of the patient’s eyes and the examination of the patient’s history.  In order for the patients to avoid conjunctivitis, they must have a proper hygiene of the hands and eyes. Allergic Conjunctivitis can spread from one eye, to both, and it is important for the infected person to have his own towel, in order not to transmit it to the other persons in the house. The viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious. Patients who have Allergic Conjunctivitis should not expose themselves to the allergen that caused it, as much as possible. Patients should also wear glasses when they go out and should not touch their eyes. Usually if conjunctivitis is not treated will get better in a few weeks, but if it is treated the patients will start feeling better within a few days.

The Allergic Conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamine drops (such as cromoglicate, for example Opticrom eye drops) or tablets. These antihistamines can be used to prevent the Allergic Conjunctivitis. Corticosteroids drops may also be used but only under the direct supervise of an ophthalmologist. The treatment is also based on determining the allergen and removing it from the patient’s life.
The treatment of this disease also includes:

• To avoid the allergen that caused it as much as possible, meaning that the patients should avoid going out and opening the windows of their house or cars.
• Mast cell stabilizers – mast cells are a type of white blood cells, which have an important role in allergic reactions. These drugs usually stop the action of the mast cells. Such drugs are: cromoglycate, lodoxamide, tromethamine, and are usually found in the form of eye drops.
• Steroids such as prednisolone, dezamethasone as also eye drops but can also be found in the form of tablets. Steroids are usually used when the mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines can not keep the allergy under control, and only on a small period of time, as in long-term treatments they have many side effects. The possible side effects are:
• Osteoporosis
• Weight gain
• Increased blood pressure
• Higher risk of developing infections
• High levels of sugar ion the blood
• Skin problems
• Muscle weakness
• Mood changes
• A higher risk of developing duodenal and stomach ulcers.
• Cyclosporines are also used in the treatment of this allergy.
• Immunotherapy

The Bacterial Conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic drops or ointment such as chloramphenicol or fusidic acid. The patients should clean their eyes of crusts or any stickiness with warm water. The Viral Conjunctivitis has no treatment, but a lubricant ointment such as Lacri-Lube, may calm down the symptoms, and make the eyes more comfortable. And like in any other type of conjunctivitis a strict hygiene is needed, including frequent hand and face wash. The Chlamydia Conjunctivitis is treated with chlorotetracycline ointment or tetracycline tablets. If this type of conjunctivitis develops in children then erythromycin is used, as the children can not be treated with tetracycline.