Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that covers the inside of eyelids, as well as the white part of the eyeball. Sezen Karakus, M.D., an ophthalmologist from the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, shares what you need to know about allergic conjunctivitis. Show
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens and irritants, such as pollen, dust and mold. Allergic conjunctivitis can be grouped into two types: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: The seasonal form is associated with seasonal allergies that usually occur during the spring and summer months, and sometimes during the fall. Exposure to pollen, grass and other airborne allergens causes seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis: The perennial form persists throughout the year, and is generally triggered by indoor allergens such as animal dander, dust and mold spores. Allergic Conjunctivitis SymptomsCommon symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in the eyes can include:
These symptoms may be accompanied by nasal symptoms such as a runny or itchy nose, or sneezing. Allergic Conjunctivitis DiagnosisYour doctor will diagnose you with allergic conjunctivitis through a review of your symptoms and an eye examination. Specific blood tests or skin tests may be required to diagnose or identify the specific allergen causing your reaction. Allergic Conjunctivitis TreatmentTreatment for allergic conjunctivitis may include:
Some additional measures may be helpful, such as:
Pink Eye vs. AllergiesPink eye, or conjunctivitis, refers to an irritation or infection of the conjunctiva. Allergic conjunctivitis is often confused with pink eye caused by viral infection of conjunctiva due to their similar symptoms. SimilaritiesSymptoms of both include:
Differences
Your doctor will be able to distinguish between these two conditions through an eye examination. The Ocular Service Disease and Dry Eye Clinic at the Wilmer Eye Institute treats a variety of eye conditions, including allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis usually happens when a person’s eyes come into contact with an allergen, a substance that makes the body’s immune system overreact. The eye becomes sore and inflamed. Symptoms occur because the overreacting immune system makes the body release histamine and other active substances through mast cells. The blood vessels dilate, or expand, and this irritates the nerve endings. The result is an increased secretion of tears. Allergic conjunctivitis is different from infective conjunctivitis. The causes are different. Treatment The following may offer relief:
Drug treatment includes antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and occasionally, corticosteroids. AntihistaminesAntihistamines may help bring fast relief from symptoms, either as an oral dose or as eye drops. Antihistamines block the effects of histamines. The body produces histamines when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance. Oral antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. These are usually taken once a day. Antihistamine eye drops include Alaway and Zaditor. . The eye drops will relieve symptoms in the eyes, but the oral dose will also help treat a runny nose and other symptoms. The most commonly prescribed antihistamine eye drops include azelastine, emedastine, and ketotifen. They are applied to the eyes two or three times a day. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness. People taking them for the first time should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until they know whether or not the medication affects them. Mast cell stabilizersMast cell stabilizers take longer to bring relief than antihistamines, but once they start working, the effects last longer. The most popular mast cell stabilizers are lodoxamide and nedocromil. They come in the form of eye drops. Some patients take both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. The antihistamines provide some relief from symptoms before the mast cell stabilizers start working. CorticosteroidsThese are rarely prescribed, and only if symptoms are severe. Corticoid is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. As a medication, synthetic corticosteroids can reduce swelling and decrease the body’s immune response. Corticosteroids work well but should beused with cautionand only short-term, because there may be side effects. Symptoms Most people with allergic conjunctivitis have problems with both eyes. Symptoms may appear quickly, soon after the eyes come into contact with the allergen. In other cases, for example, if eye drops are causing a reaction, symptoms may appear after 2 to 4 days. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:
People with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis will experience symptoms at certain times during the year, usually from early spring into summer, and sometimes into fall. Those with perennial allergic conjunctivitis are susceptible at any time of year. They may find symptoms are worse at certain times of the day than at others. If the eyelids are red, cracked, or dry, this may indicate contact conjunctivitis. Contact conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis are not seasonal, and symptoms may occur at any time of year. Causes An allergic reaction happens when the immune system overreacts to a substance. Most people do not react in this way to dust, pollen, and other substances, but some are more susceptible. The following allergens commonly cause allergic conjunctivitis:
Types There are different types of allergic conjunctivitis. 1) Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitisShare on PinterestPollen is a common cause of allergic conjunctivitis Pollen is the most common allergen to cause conjunctivitis in countries that have cold winters. If conjunctivitis results from pollen, there will likely be other symptoms, including sneezing, an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is also known as hay fever. It usually happens during the spring and summer months. At this time, plants, and especially grass, trees, and flowers, are in pollen. Some people have symptoms during early fall. 2) Contact conjunctivitisAlso known as contact dermatoconjunctivtis, symptoms are usually caused by cosmetics, eye-drops, or other chemicals that irritate the conjunctiva in those who are susceptible. Contact with these substances leads to an allergic response. Some people are sensitive to specific substances. Symptoms usually develop 2 to 4 days after the substance comes into contact with the eyes. 3) Giant papillary conjunctivitisThis often results from wearing contact lenses. In some people, contact lenses cause discomfort. This can get progressively worse and increasingly uncomfortable, causing the eyes to become red. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) may also occur when a person uses hard contact lenses after eye surgery. Poor hygiene when handling contact lenses, solutions, and cases may contribute to infections of the eye. 4) Perennial conjunctivitisPerennial conjunctivitis lasts all year. It mainly results from an allergy to house dust mites. These are microscopic insect-like creatures that live mainly in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they love warm, humid environments. Dust-mite allergy is an immune-system response to a specific dust mite protein. This causes a range of problems, including conjunctivitis, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and contraction of the airways, as in asthma. Other causes include animal dander, the small scales from animal skins or hair or bird feathers. These can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Diagnosis A doctor will diagnose allergic conjunctivitis by examining the patient and asking about signs and symptoms, including sneezing and a runny nose. They may also need to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Anyone with the following symptoms should see a doctor immediately, as they may have a more serious condition:
Apart from allergic conjunctivitis, the eyes may become red with the following conditions:
The doctor will also check whether some object or substance, such as an eyelash, may be causing the irritation. If symptoms are severe or worsening, the doctor may refer the patient to an eye specialist, or ophthalmologist. Anyone who develops papillary conjunctivitis after recent eye surgery will be referred to an ophthalmologist. The eye or eyes must be carefully monitored to ensure that treatment is effective. ComplicationsComplications of perennial or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis are rare. Allergic conjunctivitis can affect a person’s quality of life but does not normally have a long-term impact on health. Complications can sometimes occur with dermatoconjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis. The cornea may become inflamed. This is known as keratitis, and it can cause ulcers to form on the cornea. This increases the risk of scarring and the possibility of permanent vision loss. Symptoms of keratitis are:
If these symptoms occur, the person should see a doctor. Prevention The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to find out what is causing it and to avoid the allergen. Common allergens are pet fur and pollen. If the allergy is caused by pets, try the following:
If you are visiting a house where there is a pet, taking an antihistamine medicine one hour before may help reduce symptoms. Can allergies make your eyes red for days?However, they can persist if you continue to be exposed to the allergen. Long-term swelling of the outer lining of the eyes may occur in those with chronic allergies or asthma. It is called vernal conjunctivitis. It is most common in young males, and most often occurs during the spring and summer.
How do you treat red eyes from allergies?OTC eyedrops and medications. Tear substitutes: Artificial tears can temporarily wash allergens from the eye and also moisten the eyes, which often become dry when red and irritated. ... . Decongestants: OTC decongestant eyedrops reduce the redness associated with eye allergies by narrowing the blood vessels in the eye.. How long does it take for eyes to go back to normal after allergic reaction?They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months. Even with adequate treatment, some allergic reactions may take two to four weeks to go away.
Can allergies make your eyes bloodshot?It's allergy season again!
Allergies happen when our body produces too many germ fighting antibodies and the immune system goes into overdrive. All of these extra antibodies can cause the watery, itchy, and red eyes that are such a big part of so many allergies.
|
How long do red eyes last from allergies
Postagens relacionadas
direito autoral © 2024 cumeu Inc.
