Online Medical Clinic

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment

February 6, 2008 on 1:17 pm | In Diseases and Conditions |

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. Allergic conjunctivitis describes the eye’s reaction to allergy-causing substances like pollen and dander. This type of conjunctivitis is not contagious. Some common allergens include: pollen from trees, grass and ragweed; animal skin and secretions such as saliva; perfumes and cosmetics; skin medicines; air pollution; and smoke. Viral and bacterial infections can also cause conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis may be divided into five major subcategories. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis are commonly grouped together.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) constitute the remaining subtypes of allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid,increased amount of tears,itchy eyes,blurred vision and swelling of the eyelid. Other symptoms includes redness, tearing, and itching. The symptoms are due to release of histamine and other active substances by mast cells, Which stimulate dilation of blood vessels, irritate nerve endings and increase secretion of tears. Allergies tend to run in families.

Although no obvious mode of inheritance is recognized. The incidence of allergy is difficult to determine, because many different conditions are often lumped under the term allergy. Keep in mind that rubbing the eyes makes the situation worse. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs very frequently and is seen most commonly in areas with high seasonal allergens. VKC typically affects young males with onset generally in the first decade and with duration up to one decade. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is by avoiding the allergen (e.g. avoiding grass in bloom during the “hay fever season”).

Various classes of medication may be effective against the symptoms of acute allergic conjunctivitis. Ocular (topical) decongestants medicines reduce redness by constricting small blood vessels in the eye. Ocular (topical) antihistamines medicines reduce redness, swelling and itching by blocking the actions of histamine, the chemical that causes these symptoms of allergy. Cromolyn medicine works by preventing specialized cells from releasing histamine. Cromoglicate is sometimes used topically. Azelastine is available as a nasal spray and eye drops. Topical antihistamines competitively and relieve itching and redness but only for a short time.