Allergic conjunctivitis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergy.[1] Although allergens differ between patients, the most common cause is hay fever. Symptoms consist of redness (mainly due to vasodilation of the peripheral small blood vessels), oedema of the conjunctiva, itching and increased lacrimation (production of tears). If this is combined with rhinitis, the condition is termed allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions, with the symptoms having a seasonal correlation.[2] Allergic conjunctivitis is a frequent condition as it is estimated to affect 20 percent of the population on an annual basis and approximately one-half of these people have a personal or family history of atopy.[3] Giant papillary conjunctivitis accounts for 0.5–1.0% of eye disease in most countries.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Treatment often relieves symptoms, but they can return if you continue to be exposed to the allergen. There are no serious complications, although discomfort is common
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
The symptoms are due to release of histamine and other active substances by mast cells, which stimulate dilation of blood vessels, irritate nerve endings and increase secretion of tears.
Physical Examination
Signs in PKC include small yellow nodules that develop over the cornea, which ulcerate after a few days.[4]
Other Diagnostic Studies
Signs in PKC include small yellow nodules that develop over the cornea, which ulcerate after a few days.[4]
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is by avoiding the allergen (e.g. avoiding grass in bloom during the "hay fever season") and treatment with antihistamines, either topical (in the form of eye drops), or systemic (in the form of tablets). Antihistamines, medication that stabilizes mast cells, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are safe and usually effective.
References
- ↑ Bielory L, Friedlaender MH (2008). "Allergic conjunctivitis". Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 28 (1): 43–58, vi. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2007.12.005. PMID 18282545. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help) - ↑ "Conjunctivitis - Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and management". encyclopedia.stateuniversity.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ↑ "Conjunctivitis: Differentiating Allergic, Bacterial & Viral Conjunctivitis". conjunctivitis.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Allansmith M.R., Ross R.N. (1991). "Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis". In Tasman W., Jaeger E.A.,. Duane's Clinical Ophthalmology. 1 (revised ed.). Philadelphia: Harper & Row. pp. 1–5.