Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye (a thin transparent tissue lining the posterior surface of the eyelids and eyes outside), caused by the action of allergens. Often allergic conjunctivitis is combined with other types of allergic lesions - allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, dermatitis, etc.
Causes of allergic conjunctivitis
The mechanism of the development of the disease is based on the immediate reaction of hypersensitivity as a result of contact with the allergen. Conjunctiva, performing protective functions, contains a large number of cells of the immune system. Under the influence of aggressive factors from the environment, the development of inflammation is associated with the release of inflammatory mediators (histamine, serotonin, etc.) accumulating in these cells.
Of the most common allergens that cause allergic inflammation of the eye conjunctiva, the following can be distinguished:
- household (home and library dust, dust mite , mold spores fungi);
- epidermal (skin particles and animal hair, feathers, down, saliva of animals);
- pollen (pollen of various plants).
There are also allergic conjunctivitis associated with exposure to drugs, household chemicals, cosmetics and perfumes. Allergy to food rarely causes inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
Manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis can be detected almost immediately after contact with the allergen (after 1-2 minutes), less often after a few hours or a day (up to 2 days). It should be noted that with this type of conjunctivitis, both eyes are simultaneously affected. The main symptoms are as follows:
- intense, painful itching of the eyes;
- sensation of rubbing, burning of the floor for centuries;
- lacrimation (usually separated clear, mucous, less often - viscous);
- swelling;
- redness of the conjunctiva.
In some cases, the appearance of photophobia, blepharospasm (periodic uncontrolled contractions of the circular muscles of the eyes), the descent of the upper eyelid (ptosis). Also, in severe cases, small follicles appear on the eye mucosa in some patients. In the case of the attachment of a bacterial infection, an abscess appears in the corners of the eyes.
Chronic allergic conjunctivitis
If allergic conjunctivitis lasts from six months to a year, then it is a chronic form of the disease. In this case, the clinical manifestations are minimal, but differ in their persistent character. As a rule, chronic conjunctivitis, associated with allergic reactions, is accompanied by bronchial asthma and eczema.
Than to treat allergic conjunctivitis?
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is based on the following main positions:
- Exclusion of interaction with allergens;
- therapy with local and systemic drugs aimed at reducing sensitivity to allergens;
- drug therapy aimed at removing symptoms;
- prevention of complications.
As a rule, for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis are appointed:
1. Antihistamine eye drops:
- Azelastine;
- Opatanol;
- Histimet;
- Allergodyl and others.
2. Antihistamines in tableted form for oral administration:
- Claritin;
- Cetirizine;
- Loratadine;
- Telfast and others.
3. Another type of local drugs prescribed for this pathology is mast cell stabilizers:
- Cromohexal;
- Opticrom and others.
In severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis, local corticosteroids (ointments and drops based on hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) are prescribed. In case of impossibility to exclude interaction with allergens and inefficiency of symptomatic drug therapy, specific immunotherapy is recommended.
It should be noted that the use of folk methods for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is not recommended in view of the fact that this can cause an aggravation of the situation.