Allergic Conjunctivitis
What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
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Allergic conjunctivitis is an irritation of the conjunctiva of the eye caused by an allergen.
What are the symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis?
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Itching
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Watery discharge
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History of allergies
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Chemosis - swelling (or edema) of the conjunctiva
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Red and edematous eyelids
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Conjunctival papillae - inflamations inside of the conjuctiva associated with infection.
How can i avoid contracting Allergic Conjunctivitis?
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Patients should try to identify and avoid the allergens that cause your symptoms.
How is Allergic Conjunctivitis treated?
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Avoidance of the allergan.
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Cool compresses several times per day.
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Topical drops depending on the severity.
Mild: Artificial tears four to eight times per day.
Moderate: Vasoconstrictor/Antihistamine. Be aware of rebound vasodilation after prolonged use.
Severe: Mild topical steroid for one to two weeks.
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Oral antihistamine in moderate-to-severe cases can be very helpful.
What is the follow-plan for Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is the term used by ophthalmologists to describe inflammation of the conjunctiva. In ordinary terms, conjunctivitis is simply the most common cause of red or “pink” eye.
The white of the eye is covered by a thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva which produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. It normally has fine blood vessels within it, which can be seen on close inspection. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels that supply it enlarged and become much more prominent, and the eye turns red.