Allergic conjunctivitis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergy. Symptoms consist of redness (mainly due to vasodilation of the peripheral small blood vessels), oedema of the conjunctiva, itching and increased lacrimation. If this is combined with rhinitis, the condition is termed allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Allergic conjunctivitis exhibits distinct epidemiological and demographic characteristics based on the populations studied and the presence of comorbid conditions.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Allergic conjunctivitis is usually a non-progressive condition with a favorable prognosis, and rare but serious complications.In most cases, allergic conjunctivitis is a benign condition. Complications although rare,can be serious.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Allergic conjunctivitis is frequently characterized by a personal history of allergies and/or atopy and occurrence of similar episodes in the past. Itchiness and diffuse bulbar and tarsal conjunctival injection are the most commonly reported symptoms and almost univerally present in all the subtypes.
Physical Examination
Signs in PKC include small yellow nodules that develop over the cornea, which ulcerate after a few days.[1]
Other Diagnostic Studies
Signs in PKC include small yellow nodules that develop over the cornea, which ulcerate after a few days.[1]
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is by avoiding the allergen (e.g. avoiding grass in bloom during the "hay fever season") and treatment with antihistamines, either topical (in the form of eye drops), or systemic (in the form of tablets). Antihistamines, medication that stabilizes mast cells, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are safe and usually effective.