Pink Eye: Is it always contagious? Let's talk about Allergic Conjunctivitis!

Have you ever had red, itchy, and burning eyes when you first wake up in the morning or during the day? Some people fear that this is an 'eye infection', but not all red eyes are contagious. Sometimes, the cause of this can be an allergy. Today, we're talking about a condition in the eyes caused by this allergy, called allergic conjunctivitis . It's important to know about this, because the treatment methods are completely different.

What exactly is conjunctivitis?

Simply put, conjunctivitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the very thin membrane called the conjunctiva that covers the white of our eye and the inside of our eyelids. This membrane helps keep our eyes moist and protected.

Now look, there are several reasons why this situation occurs.

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergens - for example, dust, pollen, and animal dander.
• Other things that irritate the eyes - things like shampoo, smoke, and chlorine in swimming pools.

The most important thing we need to understand here is that eye diseases caused by viruses or bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another . However, the allergic conjunctivitis we are talking about today is not contagious at all . So if you have this condition, you don't need to worry about infecting your family and friends.

What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?

These symptoms can help you determine whether you have an infectious eye condition or an allergic one. These symptoms are usually seen in allergic conjunctivitis.

Most of the time, these symptoms are seen in both eyes . However, sometimes one eye may have more and the other less. If these symptoms persist, you should definitely see a doctor.

How is this treated?

When treating allergic conjunctivitis, the first and most important step is to stay away from the allergen that causes your allergy. For example, if you have a dust allergy, reducing your exposure to dust will likely reduce your symptoms. However, since this is not always possible, your doctor may recommend this type of treatment.

Treatments that the doctor may recommend

• Eye drops that control allergies (Topical Antihistamines): These medications block a chemical called histamine that our body produces when we have an allergy. This controls things like itching, redness, and swelling.
• Eye drops that reduce redness (Topical Decongestants): These work by constricting the tiny blood vessels in the eye, reducing redness. However, these are not recommended for long-term use. If used for more than a few days, they can actually worsen symptoms.
• Eye drops that prevent dry eyes (Topical Lubricants / Artificial Tears ): Dry eyes can worsen symptoms during allergies. These 'artificial tears' type eye drops provide the necessary moisture to the eyes, reducing inflammation and itching.
• Topical Steroid Eye Drops: In cases where other treatments are not effective, your doctor may prescribe these types of eye drops. However, these should only be used under the supervision of a doctor . This is because they can increase the pressure inside the eye (Glaucoma), which can damage your vision. There is also a risk of cataracts.
• Mast Cell Stabilizers: These medications work by stabilizing the cells that produce histamine, preventing the allergic reaction from starting. They are most effective when used before symptoms appear.
• Systemic Medications: If symptoms are very severe, oral medications (such as oral antihistamines ) may be given in addition to eye drops.
• Immunotherapy: This is a long-term solution. It involves identifying the allergen and giving it to the body in very small amounts, either by injection or by pill, to help the body adapt to it.

How can you relieve symptoms at home?

Until you see a doctor or receive treatment, you can try these things to help relieve symptoms:

• If you wear contact lenses , stop using them for a while while you have symptoms.
• Place a cold compress, such as a clean cloth soaked in cold water, over your eyes. This will greatly reduce itching and inflammation.
• Ask your doctor about using 'artificial tears' eye drops, which you can buy at the pharmacy. These help reduce inflammation and itching in the eyes.
• Most importantly , do not use the same eye drop bottle used for one eye in the other eye that does not have symptoms.

A few additional things to remember

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as much as possible. Doing so can make your eyes redder and make the condition worse.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Wash your bedding, pillowcases, and towels in hot water . This will remove allergens.
• Stop wearing eye makeup for a while.
• Never share your makeup or contact lenses with others .
• Wear glasses instead of contact lenses for a few days. This will reduce the pressure on your eyes.

Allergic Conjunctivitis, Redness of the eyes, Pink Eye, Itchy eyes, Eye diseases, Allergies, Sinhala health