Allergic Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis): Causes, Symptoms, Medications, etc.

Definition

What is allergic eye (allergic conjunctivitis)?

Allergic eyes are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. This condition occurs when the eyes react to allergens or substances that cause allergies. The eyes produce chemicals to fight allergens, but this response causes inflammation and allergic reactions.

Unlike conjunctivitis that is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergic conjunctivitis is not transmitted to other people. People with eye allergies generally have nasal allergies and reactions to their eyes are one of the symptoms.

These allergic reactions can be triggered by the same allergens as nasal allergies, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some sufferers can even experience an allergic reaction just because they are exposed to light.

Allergy sufferers usually experience symptoms in the form of itchy, red, or watery eyes. Exposure to allergens in the eyes can sometimes worsen eczema, asthma, or other conditions related to allergies.

This condition can be treated with medication, either over-the-counter or by a doctor’s prescription. However, medication may not be enough to treat a more severe allergic reaction, so sufferers need additional medical care.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of eye allergies?

People who have this condition generally experience the following eye allergy symptoms.

Eyes appear red or pink.
Watery eyes.
The eye feels itchy or hot.
Swelling of the eyes or eyelids, especially in the morning.
The area around the eyes appears scaly.
Sometimes there is dirt in the eye.
Discomfort when seeing bright light.
The whites of the eyes are swollen and appear purple.
Vision becomes blurry.
Other symptoms appear such as runny nose, sneezing, and an itchy, runny, or blocked nose.

This collection of symptoms can appear in one eye or both. You may experience symptoms immediately after being exposed to allergens, but some will experience them after a few hours.

Allergic reactions caused by eye drops can appear even longer, which is about 2-4 days after using the drug. If you experience this condition, stop using the drug and have your eyes checked by a doctor immediately.

You should also seek medical help immediately if you experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) such as shortness of breath, palpitations, and nausea and vomiting. This reaction is fairly rare, but it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Cause

What causes eye allergies?

Allergies are the response of the immune system when there is a foreign substance that is actually harmless. This response is useful when the body is attacked by germs. However, in the case of allergies, the immune system’s response can actually cause a disturbing reaction.

Allergies start when foreign substances enter the eye, where they come into contact with antibodies that attach to special cells called mast cells. Mast cells are part of the immune system that functions to fight germs and trigger allergic reactions.

The mast cells perceive the foreign substance as a danger and then release histamine and various other chemicals to fight it. This reaction causes the small blood vessels in the eye to dilate so that the eye feels itchy, watery, and uncomfortable.

At the same time, an allergic reaction contributes to inflammation of the white lining of the eye. As a result, the eyes appear red, swollen, and feel hot. The effects of inflammation are often felt down to the eyelids and the area around them.

This condition will get worse if you continue to be exposed to the trigger. The following are common allergy triggers in the environment.

Outdoor allergens: pollen from trees, flowers and grass.
Domestic allergens: pet dander, dust, mold and mildew.
Irritating substances: perfume, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, and pollution.

Sometimes, the eye can also experience an allergic reaction without having to come into direct contact with the allergen. This condition is usually caused by insect bites or food allergens.

Diagnosis

How do you diagnose it?

Eye allergies have similar symptoms to other eye diseases, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms also vary widely, ranging from just a feeling of being stuck to inflammation that is severe enough to interfere with vision.

If the symptoms you feel do not improve after taking the drug, immediately consult an allergist. You also need to see a doctor if you have a history of eczema, asthma, or other conditions related to allergies.

The doctor will first ask about your symptoms and medical history, including when they started and for how long. After that, the doctor will perform a number of tests including allergy tests to determine the diagnosis and the substances that trigger the allergy.

The examination is carried out by means of slit-lamp microscope. This tool provides a clear picture of the structure of the eye, the inside of the eye, and the condition of various eye components such as the cornea, lens, retina, and nerves in it.

Slit-lamp microscope also helps the doctor determine if the eye problem is due to infection or allergic conjunctivitis. The allergy sign that the doctor looks for is usually enlargement of the blood vessels on the surface of the eye.

Doctors sometimes also take white blood cell samples from the surface of the patient’s eye for further examination. This examination is done when the allergy symptoms are severe enough or the doctor cannot confirm whether you have an allergy.

Medicine and Medicine

How to treat eye allergies?

This allergy cannot be cured. However, drugs and therapy can relieve allergy symptoms and prevent recurrence. The following eye allergy medications are commonly used.

1. Artificial tears

Artificial tears help clear allergens in the eyes. This product also moisturizes the eyes so they are no longer dry or irritated. Artificial tears can be purchased without a prescription and are used up to six times a day.

2. Antihistamine tablets

Antihistamines work by inhibiting the function of histamine in allergic reactions. This medication is very helpful in relieving itching, but it can also cause dry eyes, so you should be careful about taking it.

3.Decongestants (with or without antihistamines)

Decongestants are usually used to thin phlegm, but they can also help reduce redness of the eyes due to allergens. If this medicine is combined with an antihistamine, you can also use it to treat itching in the eyes.

4. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs are effective in relieving inflammation and other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. However, this drug has serious side effects that must be taken with a doctor’s prescription.

5. Allergen injection

Also called immunotherapy, this method aims to train the immune system so that it is not too sensitive to allergens. The doctor will inject small doses of allergens on a regular basis for several months to years until the allergic reaction subsides.

Prevention

How to prevent eye allergies?

The best way to prevent eye allergies is to avoid their triggers. Here are some tips that you can apply.

Routinely clean the furniture at home.
Washing and replacing carpets, sheets, pillowcases and the like.
Using mattresses and pillows from synthetic materials.
Do not travel when the weather is dry and dusty.
Avoid areas with lots of plants, trees and grass.
Do not allow pets into the bedroom.
Bathe animals and clean their cages regularly.

Eye conjunctivitis is the immune system’s response when an allergen enters the eye. Often times, the triggers are many things in your environment.

You can treat it with eye drops for allergies, either over-the-counter or with a doctor’s prescription. To prevent recurrence of allergies, you can reduce the source of allergens at home and take allergy medications.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.