Conjunctivitis caused by toxic substances
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Over-the-counter anti-edema drugs can be used for self-treatment of eye redness and discomfort. Usually these drugs contain vasoconstrictors (for example, naphazoline and phenylephrine) with or without antihistamines, but the unreasonable use of drugs can cause irritation of the conjunctiva, burning, foreign body sensation and flushing. The diagnosis of toxic conjunctivitis is made after the exclusion of other causes of conjunctivitis.
[Symptoms of toxic conjunctivitis
- widespread conjunctival hyperemia is the most common symptom that occurs after discontinuing the use of a vasoconstrictor and nasal drugs. Hyperemia is usually associated with papillary lesions on the upper and lower tarsal conjunctiva;
- follicular conjunctivitis as a manifestation, most likely, of a toxic effect is less common and more often occurs in the lower conjunctival arch;
- blepharoconjunctivitis arises from hypersensitivity, is rarely a common symptom, is characterized by edema and hyperemia of the eyelids and conjunctiva.
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Treatment of toxic conjunctivitis
Treatment of toxic conjunctivitis consists in the abolition of local treatment. The patient needs to explain the possibility of temporary deterioration and subsequent improvement. Regression of follicular conjunctivitis may take several weeks, especially if the drops have been used for a long time. In these cases, local application of steroids can shorten the recovery time. A short course of topical application of corticosteroids with blepharoconjunctivitis can also be effective.