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 tear production.
Although it can happen at any time of the year, allergic conjunctivitis is more common during spring due to the greater amount of pollen in the air. The drier weather of summer also increases the amount of dust and air mites, which can not only develop allergic conjunctivitis but also other allergic reactions like rhinitis.
In most cases, no specific type of treatment is necessary, and it is only recommended to be in contact with allergen. However, there are 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 tearing;
- Sensation of sand in the eyes;
- Hypersensitivity to light;
- Redness of the eyes.
These symptoms are similar to any other conjunctivitis, and the only way to know they are being caused by an allergy is to evaluate whether they arise after being in contact with a specific substance, or doing an allergy test. See how the allergy test is done.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and therefore is no more than an individual.
How is the treatment 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 dust-free, avoid opening the windows of the house during the spring and do not use products with substances with chemicals such as perfumes or makeup, for example.
Also, putting cold compresses on the eyes for 15 minutes or using moisturizing eyedrops, such as Lacril, Systane or Lacrima Plus, can also provide symptomatic relief during the day.
If conjunctivitis does not improve or if it arises very frequently, an ophthalmologist can be consulted to start treatment with antiallergic eye drops, such as Zaditen or Decadron.
What can cause conjunctivitis
The allergic reaction that causes allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by:
- Make-up or hygiene products of poor quality or out of date;
- Pollen;
- Swimming pool chlorine;
- Smoke;
- Air pollution;
- Pet hair;
- Contact lens or other person's glasses.
In this way, the people most affected by this type of conjunctivitis are those who are already aware of other allergies, which is more common in children and young adults.
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