What is allergic conjunctivitis?
The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eyeball. Thus, allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergy occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed or swollen. It usually appears seasonally, associated with the seasons of the year, although there are cases in which it affects throughout the year.
As such, the conjunctiva is the most immunologically active tissue of the eye, and acts as a defense against trauma and infection.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis may appear with the change of seasons, usually with the arrival of spring and its frequent allergens, although it sometimes affects the whole year round.
Its symptomatology varies according to each person, and may be the following:
Itchy, stinging eyes
- Watery eyes (tearing)
- Swelling
- Eye redness
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Viscous discharge from the eye
- Dilation in the blood vessels of the conjunctiva
What are the causes of allergic conjunctivitis?
When someone suffers from an allergic type process, an allergen enters a person’s body. Under normal circumstances, the substance would be totally harmless, but in an allergic person, the immune system overreacts, generating immunoglobulin, which sticks to mast cells, which are very present in the eyes, nose and lungs. Once the immunoglobulin sticks to the mast cells, histamine is generated and the blood vessels of the conjunctiva become inflamed with its appearance.
However, it should be noted that each person is different, and allergens can affect two people differently. Some of the most common elements that can cause this problem are the following:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dander
- Dust mites
- Antibiotics
- Cosmetic products
- Pet hair
Symptoms may worsen depending on the amount of pollen in the air. There is a greater chance of pollen in the air on dry, hot and windy days.
Conjunctivitis causes eye irritation.
Can it be prevented?
The easiest way to avoid allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the so-called triggers. It is impossible to avoid all triggers, although many steps can be taken to reduce exposure to them.
- Reduce dust mites in the home.
- Control indoor and outdoor mold growth.
- Avoid exposure to pollen
- Install air filters
- Avoid carpets and rugs
What is the treatment?
The treatment of allergic conjunctivitis will vary depending on the process in which the allergy is found. Therefore, it will be necessary to determine which allergen is causing the problem in order to try to avoid it. Thus, you can try to control or reduce exposure to allergens in the following ways.
- Avoid using air conditioners
- Keeping windows closed
- Avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning hours
- Avoiding going outdoors on windy and pollen-filled days.
At the same time, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms:
- Use lubricating drops or artificial tears.
- Apply cold compresses
- Avoiding tobacco smoke