Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of red eye which occurs most commonly due to exposure to some irritant like dust, pollen, animal hair, or some food stuff.
It affects the conjunctiva which is the loose covering over the white of the eye. As a response to the irritant the blood vessels swell and the eye appears red, there may be some ropy discharge too. It causes severe itching and irritation and most patients complain of having “sand in their eyes”.
It is important to note that this is NOT INFECTIVE or CONTAGIOUS.
Vernal conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis commonly seen in children especially boys, which is seasonal and more often seen in spring hence also called “spring catarrh”.These children may also have wheezing (asthma) or itchy skin lesions called atopic dermatitis or both.The episodes in the eye usually wax and wane and tend to go away post puberty.The episodes can be mild or severe and it is difficult to predict which child will have severe reactions.
These children tend to rub their eyes and often develop astigmatism or the need for glasses because of altered curvature of the eyes due to excess rubbing. They must be constantly counselled to avoid rubbing.
Treatment of these allergic conditions include cold compress and use of refrigerated lubricant drops, which give symptomatic relief. Antihistamine drops are prescribed and drops such as Olopatidine, Bepotastine or Alcaftadine are commonly used to control the allergy. In addition the patients must avoid exposure to situations which may trigger an allergic reaction. Doing allergy tests are generally not required.
Some of these drops may be available over the counter.These drops come in various trade names and are best used after an eye examination by an ophthalmologist as there could be various reasons for a red eye and used under medical supervision.
Red eyes, especially the ones due to allergy can recur if you are exposed to the triggering agent, commonly it is environmental pollution other causes are plants, pollen, animal hair and rarely foodstuff. Allergic conjunctivitis due to atopy seen more in children have their periodic exacerbations especially during the spring time.Viral and bacterial red/pink eyes can also have a relapse if there is contamination again. It is best to wash all the clothes associated with an infected person in hot water (above 60 degrees) with normal detergent for 15 minutes. No additional chemicals are required. It is best never to touch ones face without washing the hands with soap and water. Do not use hand rub and touch your eyes, the chemicals or alcohol in them could cause severe irritation and redness.
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe steroid drops for a short course to control the inflammation caused by the allergy. Steroid drops must be used as prescribed and under medical supervision. Since they are known to have some side effects, they must not be self medicated but used in specific situations and under medical supervision.