Treatment methods and types of eye allergies, Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as allergic eye allergy, is an immune reaction triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. It causes redness and tearing.
Allergies cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids. This manifests as redness of the eye. Treatment involves using eye drops prescribed by a doctor, along with applying cold compresses.
Types of eye allergies
Types of eye allergies include:
- Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: This is the most common type, appearing during specific seasons depending on the pollen that triggers the allergy.
- Venuine allergic conjunctivitis: This often affects children and can lead to permanent problems if left untreated.
- Perennial allergic conjunctivitis: This type can occur year-round.
- Atopic keratoconjunctivitis This is a chronic type of eye allergy that usually affects adults and those with skin conditions such as eczema.
- Contact dermatitis, which occurs as a result of wearing contact lenses.
- Giant papilloma, a type of eye irritation associated with contact lens use, is more severe than allergic contact dermatitis.
Symptoms of eye allergies
Allergy symptoms may appear at certain times of the year, such as with seasonal allergies and the spread of pollen in the air. However, some people experience allergy symptoms at any time of year. These symptoms include:
- Redness in the eyes.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Clear discharge.
- Intense itching in the eyes.
- A burning sensation.
- Excessive tearing.
- Blurred vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
What are the causes of eye allergies
A person develops eye allergies as a result of an immune system reaction. The immune system mistakenly attacks allergens as foreign invaders, releasing antibodies that trigger the release of histamine. This causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to redness and irritation of the eyes.
Other common causes of eye allergies include exposure to airborne irritants such as pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold; using certain eye drops containing preservatives; rubbing the eyes with contaminated hands; or touching the eyes with cosmetics.
Treatment for Eye Allergies
Treatment depends on the severity of the allergy and the patient's condition. Effective treatments include medications prescribed by a doctor to relieve symptoms, such as:
- Antihistamines to reduce the release of histamine, the substance that causes allergy symptoms.
- Artificial tears to help cleanse and rinse the eyes, removing allergens.
- Short-term use of steroid eye drops in severe and chronic cases.
- Decongestants to reduce redness.
- In chronic cases that haven't responded to other treatments, immunotherapy may be considered.
Medications for treating eye allergies
- Orchazid eye drops.
- Romalex eye drops.
- Blephagel gel.
- Nevanac eye drops.
- Trillerg eye drops.
- Optipred eye drops.
- Archinohist eye drops.
Methods for Diagnosing Eye Allergies
The treating physician relies on the following to diagnose eye allergies:
- Taking a medical history and examining the eyes.
- Some blood tests.
- Skin prick test, which involves applying drops of the allergen to the skin and then pricking it with a thin needle.
What are the complications of eye allergies
They usually do not cause serious eye problems, but they can cause discomfort. In some cases, they can become serious with papillary conjunctivitis and cause the following symptoms:
- Keratitis and corneal ulceration.
- Permanent vision loss.
- Corneal scarring.
Ways to Prevent Eye Allergies
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. This can be done by following these tips:
- Wear sunglasses when going outside.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season.
- Shower and change clothes upon returning home.
- Use dust mite-resistant bed linens.
- Wash bed linens in hot water.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching pets.
- Regularly vacuum your home to remove pet dander and dust.
Article Summary
Eye allergies are defined as an immune reaction resulting from exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. They manifest as redness of the eyes, and treatment typically involves the use of medicated eye drops.
Allergies cause redness, itching, tearing, and clear discharge in the eyes. Treatment depends on the severity of the allergy, and a doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops and artificial tears.