Index
It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane that covers the inner side of the eyelids and eyes. It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection by an allergy.
Causes
Trauma, like shock, can also cause conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis can be infectious, viral or bacterial, allergic or traumatic. A foreign body or shock, for example, can cause trauma to the eyes and require consultation with an emergency ophthalmologist .
General concept
Generally speaking, allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens .
The allergens involved can be saliva and cat urine, mites , pollen, mold and latex. Cleaning products used for contact lenses may also be involved.
In case of conjunctivitis of allergic origin, rashes, rhinitis , sneezing in bursts frequently occur . Itching is also common in watery eyes and eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis usually accompanies allergic rhinitis, especially that caused by pollen, but it can also occur in isolation when triggered by an allergy to mites, animals, latex …
It is characterized by red and watery eyes with itching. People with conjunctivitis usually have the painful sensation of having sand in their eyes. On the other hand, light and sun can disturb the allergic.
Food consumption can also sometimes cause allergic conjunctivitis. An ophthalmologic evaluation is often necessary to assess the severity of the injuries.
It also allows the ophthalmologist to prescribe eye drops that contain contraindicated steroids in the presence of corneal involvement.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not transmitted.
Treatment
Its treatment consists of a cleaning of the common eye with physiological saline, which can be completed by taking antihistamines.
With the right treatment to cure the infection, treatment can last 2 to 7 days. Eye drops recommended during allergic conjunctivitis. Contact lenses should be removed during conjunctivitis.
Advice :
- Wear sunglasses when you are allergic to pollen and avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Drops for eyes Anti H1.
- Anti-H1 eye drops are recommended during intermittent contact with the allergen in question.
- The anti-H1 eye drops work quickly in approximately 30 minutes and are administered twice a day. Example: Levocabastine: levophta or levofree.
Mast cell antiangranantes
Mast cell antidepressants are recommended when the prevention of allergic conjunctivitis is recommended. Mast cell antidepressants are prescribed in the prevention of allergic conjunctivitis for several weeks or months.
Example, sodium cromoglycate; opticron, multicron, chromedil, chromabak.
The symptoms
The eyes are red and watery and give the impression of having “sand in the eye”, with feelings of burning and itching.
Sometimes purulent discharge is seen and the eyelids sometimes “stick”, especially in the morning when they wake up.
Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by red, watery and itchy eyes. Children with conjunctivitis often have the painful sensation of having sand in their eyes. On the other hand, light and sun can disturb the allergic; in this case, photophobia is discussed.
Allergic conjunctivitis usually accompanies allergic rhinitis, especially that caused by pollen, but it can also occur in an isolated manner triggered by:
- Allergy to mites.
- Allergy to certain animals.
- Latex allergy
- Food consumption can also trigger allergic conjunctivitis.
- Pillow.
- Cushions
- Stuffed quilts
- Mold spores.
- Dust in general.
However, episodes of cough, eczema, repeated bronchitis, asthma may also accompany allergic conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis
An ophthalmological evaluation is sometimes necessary to assess the severity of the injuries. The ophthalmic evaluation is also useful for the ophthalmologist to prescribe adequate eye drops containing corticosteroids, which are contraindicated in the presence of corneal involvement.
It is advisable to consult a doctor who will prescribe an appropriate treatment due to the many possible causes. In general, healing is usually spontaneous. Therefore, in cases of persistent conjunctivitis, do not hesitate to see your doctor. But it will be difficult to determine if the origin of the infection is bacterial or viral.
Only secretion tests can determine the exact nature of the infectious agent in question. In addition, conjunctivitis of viral origin is sometimes associated with infections of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, etc.).
To clean the eyes, the use of a swab soaked in sterile water is usually sufficient, preferably sterile because it should not superinfect the conjunctiva.
Another measure of personal hygiene for people with conjunctivitis: gently rinse the eyelids with sterile water and then wipe with a clean compress to remove secretions.
Warning
As infectious conjunctivitis is very contagious, it is necessary to separate the clothes worn by the patient from that of other people in the home.
This is also the reason why people with conjunctivitis should not work or go to school to avoid infecting their beloved colleagues or partners.
Therefore, it is necessary to respect the usual rules of hygiene, namely, that one should wash his hands before and after touching the infected eye, without touching the healthy eye after touching the infected eye.
