What is allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis It is the inflammation of the ocular conjunctiva caused by exposure to an allergen (pollen, dust mites, molds, animal epithelia, among others) causing an immune response mediated by specific antibodies called specific immunoglobulin E
It is considered the most frequent of eye allergies.
Depending on the causal allergen it can be perennial or seasonal.
Patients with allergic conjunctivitis usually have a family or personal history of allergy (atopy).
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
Itching, tearing and redness of the conjunctiva in both eyes.
It may be associated with other allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.
It can cause visual discomfort.
What should you do if you have an allergic conjunctivitis?
Go to your allergy specialist to make a diagnosis, considering other diseases of the ocular surface.
An evaluation and relevant tests should be carried out according to each case and indicate treatment that may be: specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) or symptomatic treatment with oral antihistamines and / or eye drops, in addition to the avoidance of the causative allergen.
Other types of eye allergies:
–Allergic contact dermatitis: it is an inflammatory reaction of the skin of the eyelids by direct contact with an external agent, for example cosmetics, creams, medicines, among others. Lesions appear after repeated exposures and after a period of sensitization. Diagnosis can be made with epicutaneous tests (Patch-Test) to suspicious agents. Avoiding the triggering factor,symptoms will improve.
–Atopic dermatitis: it is an inflammatory disease of the skin, which can also affect the eyelids. The common lesion is eczema and usually produces severe itching.
–Angioedema: is the inflammation of the subcutaneous and / or submucosal tissue, in this case of the eyelids, usually accompanied by hives when the mediator involved is histamine. Unlike angioedema mediated by a substance called bradykinin in which it is not associated with urticaria lesions and does not respond to treatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids.
“As always, at ClinicAl we remember that our consultations are available to those patients who have questions about their allergic disease. So if you need it, contact us and go to one of our consultations “
Dra. Jaritzy Negrín González
Allergy Specialist