Tears of allergy
If you weep at the sight of a cat or some eyeshadows give you eyes of rabbits Russian, you are suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. The best treatment is to flee the allergen responsible ... whenever possible.
As the skin or nasal mucosa, conjunctiva, thin membrane covering the eye is in constant contact with allergens in the atmosphere (dust mites, animal dander, feathers, pollen ...), on the eyelids (cosmetics) or eyes (eye drops). In people with allergic terrain, these allergens can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, similar to the reaction responsible for allergic rhinitis.
Rhinitis and conjunctivitis often associated
When the allergen into the air, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are often associated, causing runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Conjunctivitis can also be isolated, especially when linked to a product in direct contact with the eye. In this case, events are limited to eyes that are red, tingling, itching and weeping. The light is hard to bear (photophobia). Often the eyelids are red and swollen, sometimes stuck in the morning. However the intensity of the signs is very variable from one person to another.
These symptoms are associated with antibody response against the antigen (allergen) against which the person has developed a sensitivity. In case of allergy to grass pollen, grasses or trees, the episodes are seasonal, repeated every spring to late summer and early fall. Conjunctivitis is usually associated in this case, rhinitis is the classic "hay fever". When they are mites or animal hair that trigger episodes of conjunctivitis can breed throughout the year. In children, there are spring conjunctivitis, a particular form of allergic conjunctivitis by changing seasonal outbreaks.
If the diagnosis is easy when conjunctivitis associated with rhinitis, allergic, which transforms into a veritable fountain, it is much more delicate when it is isolated, especially if the first episode. Infectious conjunctivitis, viral, including very frequent, are showing signs identical. Often the developments that led to suspect allergy, conjunctivitis when no cure or recurrence. In this case, as in any suspected allergy, we must make a full assessment by a medical allergist.
The hunt for allergens
The first treatment is the removal of the allergen, if possible. Temporarily remove the makeup is a must before any red eye. The healing of conjunctivitis and its reappearance at a new application can identify the substance responsible. The presence of allergy to this type should lead to be vigilant in choosing their cosmetics.
Eviction is much more difficult or impossible when the allergen is pollen, for example, or mites. In the latter case, it is necessary to minimize dust, avoiding rugs, carpets, wool blankets, and maintaining rigorous hygiene. Desensitization may be attempted, provided you have correctly identified the cause of allergy.
The allergy may be secondary to treatment
If signs of inflammation of the eye are severe or persistent, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist before taking medication. Eye drops with antihistamines or decongestants may relieve symptoms without curing the allergy. In severe cases, corticosteroid eye drops are effective but can not be used for prolonged periods. These products should be used only under medical supervision because they can aggravate infections, or cause the loss of the eye in cases of ocular herpes. It is essential to discard all drops started and not keep in their medicine cabinets for possible use in a future episode.
Finally, it is important to know that the molecules contained in eye drops and eye ointments may also cause allergic conjunctivitis. This event, fairly common, must be raised each time a treatment causes eye irritation and itching, or the condition being treated does not heal, despite medication. Stopping or changing treatment will then be enough to rapidly improve the symptoms.
