Eye allergies

Eye allergy is an inflammatory process of the eyes, allergic conjunctivitis or a phenomenon that is often called red eye syndrome. Anyone who has ever experienced an allergy has experienced unpleasant sensations in the eyes - itching, tearing, swelling of the eyelids and redness of the sclera. The reaction to the allergen occurs after mast cells - histamine basophils, prostaglandins release specific mediators.

Like the skin, the eyes are usually the first to react to the invasion of an allergic component. As soon as the inflammatory factor penetrates the human body, and this is most easily done from the outside, the skin and mucous membranes, especially the outer ones, begin to signal danger. Eye allergies can also be a consequence of an internal immune failure caused by an allergen, and eye manifestations of allergies are also closely related to a hereditary factor. Atopic dermatitis, rhinitis and bronchial asthma are often accompanied by all the symptoms of eye allergies.

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Forms

• Conjunctivitis caused by pollinosis, hay fever. This manifestation is associated with the flowering seasons of plants, trees and, as a rule, disappears with the onset of cold weather;
• Keratoconjunctivitis, also associated with the season - spring. Most often affects children before adolescence, when the hormonal background begins to change and the body copes with allergies on its own. However, allergic spring catarrh can become chronic if it is not treated with antihistamines and other antiallergic drugs;
• Chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms are not clearly expressed, but recur regularly depending on the general condition of the body;
• Allergic conjunctivitis of contact lenses. A relatively new form of eye allergy associated with vision correction with contact lenses;
• Macropapillary allergic conjunctivitis. The disease is caused by a foreign body that irritates the tarsal part of the upper eyelid. This can be a particle of dust, a grain of sand, eye prostheses, lenses, etc. Often, this type of allergy affects people whose work is associated with the release of small particles and substances into the environment;
• Allergic conjunctivitis of infectious etiology. Develops as a consequence of an underlying disease, such as bronchial asthma, inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory system, bacterial infections of the nasopharynx and oral cavity;
• Allergic conjunctivitis caused by drug allergy. Almost any drug can cause an eye allergy in a person suffering from an allergic disease. The reaction appears within an hour after taking the medication.

Eye allergies are divided into two categories according to the specific pathogenesis – acute and chronic:

• The acute form manifests itself as an accelerated reaction, usually in the first hour after contact with the allergen;
• Chronic eye allergies manifest themselves as a delayed reaction - over the course of a day or more, often its symptoms subside and recur again.

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Diagnostics eye allergies

• Edema of the upper and lower eyelids is usually extensive and does not respond to standard methods of neutralizing it (diuretics, cold compresses, etc.). Edema can develop intensively, up to the syndrome of a "floating" cornea;
• Extensive or partial reddening of the conjunctiva of the eyes, often affecting both eyes, but sometimes the process begins with one eye;
• Itching in the eyelid area, increasing with contact;
• Burning, feeling of “sand” in the eyes;
• Photophobia causing excessive lacrimation;
• Optosis is an uncontrolled movement of the upper eyelid;
• In some cases, when the acute process is advanced, there is purulent discharge from the eyes.

Eye allergies are diagnosed as follows:

• Collection of anamnestic information to exclude or confirm the hereditary factor, to determine the main or concomitant diseases;
• General tests – blood, urine. Cytology and bacterial culture, immunogram and biochemical study of blood serum;
• Skin tests to determine the allergen. Provocative testing – conjunctiva, nasopharyngeal mucosa, sublingual test.
• If there is an underlying disease – gastrointestinal or others, additional types of diagnostic tests are prescribed (ultrasound, gastroscopy, CT and others).

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Treatment eye allergies

Eye allergy is treated starting with the standard action in any antiallergic therapy - eliminating contact with the provoking factor, the allergen. If a person wears contact lenses that are the culprit of the allergic reaction, they are replaced with glasses for a while, and after therapeutic measures and the onset of remission, hypoallergenic lenses are selected. In cases where the allergy was caused by a foreign body - a speck, a particle of dust, a lint, etc., the object is removed and in the future the person is advised to avoid those areas where there is a risk of contact with these factors. Local ophthalmological treatment is also prescribed - eye drops that relieve redness and itching. This can be alomid, cromosil, etc. Drops can also be used. Containing hormones, corticosteroids. These are dexamethasone, hydrocortisone drugs. Drops that include antibiotics are used in cases of cross-infection of the eyes with bacteria. It should be remembered that antiallergic eye drops only neutralize the symptom, but are not the basis of therapy. Self-medication for allergic eye diseases is unacceptable, since all types of drops are very specific, they must be selected and prescribed by a doctor. In addition to drops, it is advisable to take antihistamines, they are also prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of allergic reactions.

Eye allergies can cause complications on the cornea – keratitis, erosion, hyperkeratosis. That is why it is worth contacting an allergist, therapist or ophthalmologist at the first signs of an allergic reaction.