Allergic Conjunctivitis

It's spring, pollen season, or even the beginning of summer, and your eyes are red, itchy, or stinging? Perhaps you have asthma or even a known atopic predisposition? You might be suffering from a seasonal eye allergy! Eye allergies are very common. Rest assured, most are benign, and even if they are very unpleasant, they don't lead to serious problems. More than half of them are seasonal, meaning they recur every year at the same time. The allergens responsible for these allergies are very diverse, and sometimes it can be difficult to quickly identify the culprit. However, the most common allergens are pollen (from grasses, trees, and weeds), pet dander (dogs, cats, and rodents), dust mites, and mold.

The different types of eye allergies

• They are generally caused by pollen from grasses, trees or herbaceous plants which are released into the air in large quantities at certain times of the year, by mites but also by the hair of pets.

• They can be repeated throughout the year with allergens that are constantly present in your environment, such as dust mites contained in household dust or atmospheric molds.

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a very particular and very important form of conjunctivitis in children (4 to 10 years old).

• It often appears in the spring and more frequently affects boys. It is an allergic inflammation of the eye, affecting the conjunctiva and cornea.

• It is characterized by red eyes, itching, and sensitivity to light. Often, the irritation worsens with rubbing the eyes.

• This disease often lessens with age and usually disappears during adolescence.

• In some cases, vernal keratoconjunctivitis is complicated by true corneal ulcers ( keratitis ).

• Regardless of its stage, the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis must be followed carefully. It consists of eye washes, long-term administration of anti-allergy (antihistamine) eye drops combined with short courses of corticosteroid eye drops or cyclosporine.

• Sun protection with category 3 sunglasses is also essential.

The causes

• Allergies are abnormal reactions of the body when it comes into contact with a foreign substance: the allergen.

• The immune system behaves as if the allergen were a dangerous antigen (when it is not) and defends itself by producing antibodies and lymphocytes sensitized against this allergen.

• This causes immediate hypersensitivity reactions with the symptoms mentioned previously. Patients are sometimes polysensitized, meaning they are allergic to several allergens.

• Most of the time, people with allergies have a genetic predisposition. It is common for several members of the same family to have allergic manifestations such as eczema or asthma.

Why consult a doctor?

• Allergic conjunctivitis is usually benign. However, some forms may require the advice of an ophthalmologist.

• This is the most qualified specialist doctor to prescribe antihistamine eye drops and to explain to parents what to do in the case of conjunctivitis in children.

• Antihistamines are medications that help to alleviate symptoms and thus improve the quality of life of people suffering from allergies.

Action to take & treatment

• In the case of eye allergies, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis and implement the most appropriate treatment. This often involves antihistamine eye drops and eye washes several times a day.

• Avoiding the allergen is the first thing to do, when possible. To do this, you will need to pay attention to your environment when allergic reactions recur.

• Easier said than done, but very important: avoid touching your eyes and resist the urge to scratch them when they itch. For women, during this period, it's best to avoid makeup for a few days to prevent further irritation.

• Rarer forms of eye allergy, such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis, often require treatment with corticosteroid eye drops. It is important to strictly follow your ophthalmologist's prescription to avoid complications.

Frequently Asked Questions