Causes of allergic conjunctivitis

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance. Most people do not react in this way to allergens, but some are more susceptible. Some of the allergens that cause allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Pollen
• Animal fur
• Eye drops
• Dust mites

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis may appear quickly, as soon as the eyes come into contact with the allergen. In other cases, if eye drops cause an allergic reaction, symptoms may appear after two to four days. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Redness of the eyes: The eyes become irritated when the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate.
• Pain: It can affect one or both eyes.
• Itching: As a result of eye irritation, eye itching increases.
• Swelling of the eyelids: The eyelids may swell when the conjunctivitis is inflamed, or if the person rubs them often.
• Ulceration.

People with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis experience symptoms at certain times of the year, usually from early spring to summer, and sometimes in the fall. People with perennial allergic conjunctivitis are exposed to it at any time of the year, but the symptoms worsen at certain times of the day compared to other times.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis

Before we learn about the different methods of treating allergic conjunctivitis and redness of the eyes, some tips can be followed to provide comfort to the eyes and avoid allergies.

• Avoid allergens: Maintaining a clean home and staying indoors when pollen levels are high in the spring can help prevent allergic conjunctivitis.
• Artificial tears: Artificial tear eye drops help to relieve allergens and help to remove them.
• Avoid contact lenses: Contact lenses should not be used until the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis have completely disappeared.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes: Rubbing can make eye inflammation worse.
• Cold compresses: Applying compresses of cotton soaked in cold water can help soothe the eyes.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and redness of the eyes with medication

Medication treatment includes antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and steroids.

Antihistamines

The body produces histamine when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance or one of the allergens that cause allergic conjunctivitis. Antihistamines may help relieve symptoms quickly, either orally or as eye drops. Antihistamines are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine, and can be taken once a day. An eye drop can be used for allergic conjunctivitis. The eye drops will relieve symptoms in the eye, but taking an antihistamine helps to treat a runny nose and other symptoms.

The most common antihistamine eye drops are azelastine, epinastine, and ketotifen, which are placed in the eyes twice or three times a day. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so caution should be exercised while driving.

Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers take longer to relieve allergic conjunctivitis than antihistamines, but once they start working, the effects last longer. The most common mast cell stabilizers are lodoxamide and nedocromil, and they come in the form of eye drops. Some patients take both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers together. Antihistamines provide some relief from the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis before mast cell stabilizers start working.

Steroids

Cortisone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Synthetic corticosteroids can reduce swelling and reduce the body's immune response. Steroids can be prescribed to treat allergic conjunctivitis and redness of the eyes if the symptoms are severe. Corticosteroids work well but should be used with caution and for a short period due to the side effects they may cause.

Complications of eye allergies

It is rare for permanent or seasonal eye allergies to have complications. Allergic conjunctivitis can affect a person's life but usually does not have a long-term impact on health.

The cornea may become inflamed, causing ulcers. The most common symptoms of corneal inflammation are:

• Severe eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Feeling of something in the eye
• Watering eyes

If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor.

Prevention of eye allergies

The best way to prevent eye allergies is to know the causes of eye allergies and avoid them. The most common allergens are animal fur and pollen.

You can follow the following steps to prevent eye allergies:

• Keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Brush animal fur regularly and wash their bedding.
• Take an antihistamine before you are exposed to an allergen for an hour. This may help reduce allergy symptoms.
• Stay indoors and close windows and doors to avoid pollen exposure in the spring.
• Avoid areas with grass, flowers, or trees.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Shower and change clothes after going outside.
• Remove dust with a clean, damp cloth.

Does eye allergy affect vision?

Eye allergies do not usually lead to serious complications and do not permanently affect vision. The effect is usually temporary during the period of infection and includes the patient feeling blurred or blurred vision due to the inflammation in the eye.

Finally, although there is no definitive treatment for eye allergies, it helps to relieve the symptoms of eye allergies.

You must contact your doctor immediately if the symptoms do not improve with treatment or if you begin to experience eye discharge.

Now, learn more about the treatment of eye allergies, and request a consultation with Dr. Osama Hakim, Consultant of Ophthalmology and Surgery, and surgeries for squinting, eyelids, and lacrimal passages at the Moroccan Eye Hospital in Dubai and founder and director of the Medical Center for Eye in Egypt.