Are your eyes always red, itchy all day long, and sometimes watery? For some people, it's accompanied by swollen eyelids. This is a really annoying condition, isn't it? Most of the time, the cause of this is a condition called `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`. Let's talk about this in detail today, because this is something that happens to many people.
What exactly is ``Allergic Conjunctivitis''?
Simply put, `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` is when the eyes become red and inflamed due to an allergy. There is a thin membrane around our eyes, on the inside of the eyeball, and above the white part of the eye `(Sclera), which is called `(Conjunctiva).` This is what protects the eye and keeps it moist.
Now, when some things in our environment, for example pollen, dust mites, get into the eyes of some people, their immune system looks at these things as if they were a big enemy. That is, they treat them as if they were harmful bacteria or viruses. Then the body tries to get rid of these "invaders". That's when the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis appear.
The important thing is, this usually affects both eyes.
What are the main types of `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`?
There are two main types of this:
1. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (also called Hay Fever Conjunctivitis):
This is the most common type. It is usually seen most often in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This is because a lot of pollen is released from trees and grasses during that time. This is also called ``Acute Allergic Conjunctivitis''. ``Acute'' means it occurs suddenly.
2. Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis:
This type can occur at any time of the year. The main causes of this are things like dust mites and pet dander . This is also called chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Chronic means it lasts for a long time or happens frequently.
How common is this `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`?
It's actually quite common. According to some reports, up to 40% of people will experience this condition at least once in their lifetime. That's about four out of ten people!
What are the symptoms of `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`?
If you have `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`, you may experience symptoms like these:
- Itching or burning sensation in the eyes.
- Puffy eyes.
- A watery liquid flowing from the eyes.
- Eyes turning red.
- A thick, runny, yellow-white discharge from the eyes.
- Dark circles under the eyes (Allergic shiners).
Some people may also experience things like scratching their nose, a watery discharge from their nose, and sneezing.
What are the causes of `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`?
In general, this is due to:
- Pollen.
- Dust Mites.
- Mold Spores.
- Pet dander.
- Chemicals or fragrances found in things like soaps, detergents, deodorants, moisturizers, and perfumes.
Imagine, you went to the garden in the morning, and the flowers were blooming and fragrant. But after a while, your eyes started to itch and turn red. Then you could be allergic to those pollen. Or, you have a cat as your pet. If you start to itch after touching it, it could be because of pet dander.
Is `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` contagious?
No, not at all. Unlike eye diseases caused by `(Bacteria)` or `(Viruses)`, `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` is not contagious from one person to another. This is very important, because some people are afraid that it will spread to others.
Who is more likely to develop ``Allergic Conjunctivitis''?
Anyone can get it. However, if you already have other allergies, or if someone in your family has allergies, you are more likely to get it. Also, if you have pets or live in an area with high pollen counts, your risk is slightly higher.
How do doctors recognize this?
When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask about your health history and your symptoms. He will also ask if you have any allergies or if you have recently had anything bad happen to your eyes. Then he will examine your eyes and check for signs of `(Conjunctivitis)`. These include:
- Are your eyes red?
- Do you have small blister-like bumps inside the eyelid (Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis)?
If your doctor suspects that you have ``Allergic Conjunctivitis'', he or she may refer you to an ``Allergist/Immunologist''. That specialist can perform some tests to confirm this. For example:
- Skin Prick Test: In this, the specialist pricks a small amount of your skin with a fine needle and places a small amount of the allergens that you think you might be allergic to on those areas. Then, they look for any reaction on your skin.
- Blood Test: In this, a small sample of blood is taken from your arm and sent to a lab. The lab adds allergens to the blood and looks for antibodies.
How do I know if my eye disease is `(Allergic)` or `(Bacterial)`?
It is actually a bit difficult to say exactly what causes eye disease. However, if there is both itching and watery eyes, it is most likely `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`, and it affects both eyes. `(Viral)` or `(Bacterial)` or `(Conjunctivitis)` usually affects only one eye. Another reason is that `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` lasts a little longer than other eye diseases. Sometimes, symptoms may increase or decrease during allergy seasons.
However, if you have symptoms of an eye disease, don't just guess. The best thing to do is see a doctor and get treatment.
How is `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` treated?
The best treatment for this is to avoid the allergen. As a first step, you can reduce symptoms by avoiding eye contact, using home remedies, and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications or prescription medications.
Treatments you can do at home:
- Always rinse your eyes with water (clean water).
- Applying a cold compress to the eyes.
Medicines that can be purchased at the pharmacy or prescribed by a doctor:
- Artificial Tears.
- Eye solutions containing `Ketotifen`.
- Eye drops containing `Bepotastine`.
- Eye solutions containing `Azelastine`.
- Eye drops containing `Cetirizine`.
- Antihistamines, such as Fexofenadine, Loratadine, or Cetirizine tablets.
However, sometimes, you may have severe allergic conjunctivitis that cannot be controlled with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. In such cases, a doctor may recommend allergy immunotherapy ( either allergy shots or allergy drops). This involves injecting very small amounts of the allergen into your body. The amount is gradually increased over several months. As you do this, your body becomes accustomed to the allergen, which means it develops tolerance. After that, you may not experience symptoms when exposed to the allergen, or you may experience very few symptoms.
Does Benadryl help with Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Yes, Benadryl (which contains Diphenhydramine) can help relieve the symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis. However, one of its side effects is drowsiness. Therefore, it is best to take it before going to bed at night.
However, allergy specialists say that it is better to take second-generation antihistamines than diphenhydramine. They are said to be more effective, have fewer side effects, and are not associated with conditions such as dementia.
How soon will I feel better after treatment?
Usually like this:
- Antihistamines start working about 30 minutes after taking them.
- Allergy eyedrops start working within an hour of application.
- Allergy immunotherapy can start working in a few weeks, but it can take up to six months, or even longer, to see significant improvement in symptoms.
What can someone with `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` expect?
Allergic Conjunctivitis can be completely cured with allergy shots. You can also reduce the symptoms by avoiding the things you are allergic to and using medication.
How long can `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` last?
It's hard to say exactly, because it varies from person to person. Your body, your immune system, is unique. Your symptoms of ``Allergic Conjunctivitis'' may go away in less than an hour. Or they may last for days, weeks, or even months. It depends on what you're allergic to and how severe your allergy is.
Can Allergic Conjunctivitis be prevented?
The best way to manage your symptoms is to avoid known allergens. You can also take antihistamines or other medications daily to help control your symptoms.
Here are some other tips to help you avoid these symptoms:
- Wash your hands often.
- Vacuum your home's rugs and carpets regularly to remove dust and pollen.
- Use a ``High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)'' filter at home to remove allergens from the air.
- During allergy season, keep the windows closed and use air conditioning. This will reduce the amount of pollen coming into the house.
- Avoid smoking or vaping indoors.
When should I see a doctor?
If you are experiencing symptoms of ``Allergic Conjunctivitis'' frequently, and it is affecting your daily life and work, you should definitely see a doctor, an allergist, or an eye care specialist.
What questions should I ask the doctor?
You can ask the doctor questions like these:
- How do you know for sure if you have `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`?
- What specific allergens cause me to develop Allergic Conjunctivitis?
- What kind of medicine do you recommend?
- What is the complete list of side effects of the `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` medication you recommend?
- Do I need to take the medicine every day, or is it enough to take it only when symptoms occur?
- How do I know if I have `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`, `(Bacterial)` or `(Viral Conjunctivitis)`?
What else can be mistaken for `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)`?
Often, conditions such as `(Bacterial)` or `(Viral)` are confused with `(Allergic) Conjunctivitis`. However, a doctor can usually distinguish between these types of eye diseases based on the following:
- Your symptoms.
- Your age.
- How much discharge comes out of the eyes.
- Do you have an ear infection at the same time?
- The whites of your eyes are the color of emerald.
- Does it affect one eye or both eyes?
Allergic conjunctivitis can make you feel sad when spring and summer come, or you may not be able to visit your friends who have pets. But by taking a few simple steps, you too can enjoy these beautiful seasons, warm days, and cuddling your pets. Using a HEPA filter, vacuuming regularly, and keeping eye drops handy can help you avoid allergens. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help reduce or prevent symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Take-Home Message
So, `(Allergic Conjunctivitis)` is a bit annoying, but it is a manageable condition. The main thing is to know what you are allergic to and avoid them. If you have symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. With proper treatment and small lifestyle changes, you can get relief from this problem to a great extent. Remember, your eyes are very valuable!
` Allergic conjunctivitis, red eyes, itchy eyes, allergies, eye diseases, eye health, Sri Lanka
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