Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye that arises when you are exposed to an allergenic substance, such as pollen, dust or animal hair, for example, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling and excessive production of tears.
Although it can happen at any time of the year, allergic conjunctivitis is more common during the spring, due to the greater amount of pollen in the air. The drier summer weather also increases the amount of dust and air mites, which can not only develop allergic conjunctivitis but also other allergic reactions such as rhinitis.
In most cases, no specific type of treatment is necessary, it is only recommended to be in contact with allergen. However, there are eye drops, such as Decadron, that can relieve symptoms and reduce discomfort.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:
- Itching and pain in the eyes; Increased secretion of the eyes / constant watering; Feeling of sand in the eyes; Hypersensitivity to light; Redness of the eyes.
These symptoms are similar to any other conjunctivitis, the only way to know that they are being caused by an allergy is to assess whether they arise after being in contact with a specific substance, or by doing an allergy test. See how the allergy test is done.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and therefore is not passed from one individual to another.
How the treatment is done
The main way to relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the substances that are causing the allergy. Thus, it is important to keep the house free of dust, to avoid opening the house windows during the spring and not to use products with substances with chemicals, such as perfumes or makeup, for example.
In addition, placing cold compresses over the eyes for 15 minutes or using moisturizing eye drops, such as Lacril, Systane or Lacrima Plus, can also provide relief from symptoms during the day.
In the event that conjunctivitis does not improve or if it appears very often, an ophthalmologist can be consulted to start treatment with antiallergic eye drops, such as Zaditen or Decadron.
What can cause allergic conjunctivitis
The allergic reaction that causes allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by:
- Poor quality or out-of-date make-up or hygiene products; Pollen; Pool chlorine; Smoke; Air pollution; Pet hair; Contact lens or glasses from someone else.
Thus, the people most affected with this type of conjunctivitis are those who are already aware of other allergies, which is more common in children and young adults.
