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Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing chronic discomfort and often a significant reduction in quality of life. What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis? What is the treatment of this ailment?
What is allergic conjunctivitis? Why is it developing?
Allergic conjunctivitis is nothing more than an allergic reaction within the tissues of the eye. It occurs when the eye’s conjunctiva comes into contact with an allergen, a substance that causes the body’s immune system to overreact.
The eye is prone to irritants because it is in constant contact with the environment, and the eye mucosa is immunologically active and reacts easily to allergens. Eye allergies are very common and are thought to affect up to 40% of people. population, of which 98 percent. it is caused precisely by allergic conjunctivitis. The term “allergic conjunctivitis” includes both seasonal and perennial forms of the disease. [1]
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (periodic)
The seasonal form is associated with seasonal allergies that usually occur in spring and summer, and sometimes also in fall when allergen levels are particularly high. The most common “culprits” of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis include pollen of grasses, weeds, birch, alder and hazel.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis (perennial)
This form of allergic conjunctivitis lasts all year round and is usually caused by internal allergens such as pet dander, dust, mold spores, perfumes and certain eye makeup products. Interestingly, these types of allergens can cause more symptoms than seasonal allergens because they are more volatile and stay in the air longer.
People with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis will experience symptoms at certain times of the year, usually early spring through summer, and sometimes fall as well. People with perennial allergic conjunctivitis may also experience worsening symptoms at certain times of the day, such as in the morning. [2]
What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
In allergic conjunctivitis, symptoms develop very quickly – the early phase of the allergic cascade begins within seconds to minutes after exposure to the allergen and lasts 20–30 minutes. Common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis can include:
- Persistent itching (which can often be the first and only symptom)
- Redness of the eyes
- Strong tearing
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Hypersensitivity to light
Allergic conjunctivitis may or may not be accompanied by other allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, or a scratchy throat. While some symptoms may look like signs of infection, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious or contagious. In allergic conjunctivitis, the eyes water more than usual but do not become “sticky” as in infective conjunctivitis. Other symptoms such as peeling eyelid skin and contact lens intolerance may also indicate an allergic cause of inflammation.
Patients with allergic conjunctivitis often also suffer from other allergic diseases. Allergic conjunctivitis can coexist with asthma, food allergies, hay fever or eczema – atopic dermatitis.
The late phase of allergic conjunctivitis begins several hours later and is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils, which exacerbates inflammation, causes persistent symptoms and increases the likelihood of tissue damage – therefore allergic conjunctivitis should be treated promptly. [3]
Why can’t we take allergic conjunctivitis lightly? What is the risk of underestimating the disease?
Most forms of allergic conjunctivitis are relatively mild, but serious complications can occur in some cases. As in the case of other allergic diseases, a chronic disease may develop in the course of which the tissues of the eye surface are damaged and remodeled, and consequently even permanently damaged eyesight. [4] Long-term swelling of the conjunctiva can also lead to structural changes in the delicate collagen fibers of the skin surrounding the eye.
Allergic conjunctivitis – how should we treat it?
Avoiding allergens is the best way to treat and prevent allergic conjunctivitis, but we know that unfortunately this is not always possible. [4] Specialist eye drops EKTIN containing moisturizing hyaluronic acid and the unique Ectoin ® molecule can help in reducing the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. They effectively reduce inflammation, redness and watery eyes. EKTIN eye drops also protect the eye from the harmful effects of allergens and support the regeneration process of the irritated and sensitive conjunctiva. Importantly, they can also be safely used in children and people who wear contact lenses.
Most cases of allergic conjunctivitis begin to resolve after a few days of treatment. However, you should see your eye doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Worsening of symptoms, especially pain
- Formation of spots or blisters on the skin around the eyes
- Deterioration of vision [5]