| The common term frequently used for | | | | complications, they can cause serious problems |
| conjunctivitis is "pink eye." However, this term is | | | | with other parts of the eye. One can develop an |
| only properly used to refer to conjunctivitis which | | | | inflammation of the iris, or colored part, of the |
| is caused by a viral infection of the eye. What we | | | | eye. Please seek appropriate treatment for both |
| will target here is allergic conjunctivitis, its causes, | | | | of these |
| and some treatments. | | | | 3. Vernal Conjunctivitis: This a chronic form of |
| Allergic conjunctivitis is caused when the mast | | | | conjunctivitis which occurs most frequently during |
| cells (part of the body's immune system) in the | | | | the spring and fall seasons. It can cause |
| eye react to allergens which the body's immune | | | | permanent damage to one's vision, making it one |
| system deems to be foreign to one's body. | | | | of the two most dangerous forms of allergic |
| There is a large number of mast cells in the eyes, | | | | conjuntivitis. |
| which makes them a common location for these | | | | Vernal Conjunctivitis is more likely to occur in |
| types of allergic reactions. | | | | males than females, and has both allergic and |
| The allergic reaction causes a release of | | | | non-allergic forms. An eye-care speciaist who also |
| histamines, which is the immune system's way of | | | | specializes in allergies should be able to pinpoint and |
| counteracting the allergen. What follows is | | | | treat this form of conjuntivitis most effectively. |
| enlargement of the blood vessels in the | | | | 4. Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis: This is a form of |
| conjunctiva (a thin membrane which covers the | | | | allergic conjunctivitis which is associated with |
| white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid). | | | | atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) of the |
| Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis may include, | | | | eyelids and face. The symptoms include those of |
| but are not limited to, slight swelling of the area | | | | seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, as well |
| around the eyes, redness, itching, and tearing | | | | as a stringy or ropy discharge from the eyes. |
| (crying). One may also experience nasal | | | | This form of allergic conjunctivitis first manifests |
| symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, runny | | | | itself most frequently in persons in their teens and |
| nose, and itching. While other forms of | | | | early 20's. It may also occur in persons who have |
| conjunctivitis may affect only one eye, the allergic | | | | a history of allegies, especially allergic rhinitis and |
| form generally manifests itself in both eyes. | | | | or asthma. |
| There are five different types of allergic | | | | As with Vernal Conjunctivitis, Atopic |
| conjunctivitis. These are: | | | | Keratoconjunctivitis left untreated can cause |
| 1. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC): This is the | | | | permanent damage to one's eyes. |
| most common type of the five listed here. It | | | | 5. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This form of allergic |
| usually occurs when the seasons change and is | | | | conjunctivitis is most frequently associated with |
| caused by airborne allergens such as tree, weed, | | | | the use of contact lenses. It is believed to be |
| and grass pollens, as well as many different types | | | | caused by an allergic reaction to proteins which |
| of mold. Quite often those who suffer from this | | | | may adhere to the surface of the lenses, |
| eye affliction also have allergic rhinitis, also know | | | | prosthetic devices used for the eye, or sutures |
| as "hay fever." This is often the source of SAC. | | | | used in eye surgery. |
| This form of allergic conjuntivitis can be treated | | | | The indications of this form of allergic |
| with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as well | | | | conjunctivitis can be bumps which occur on the |
| as prescriptions. | | | | insides of the eyelids. It may also have non-allergy |
| 2. Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC): PAC can | | | | related causes. |
| occur year-round and is frequently cause by pet | | | | These last three types of allergic conjunctivitis are |
| or animal dander, dust mites, feathers, and other | | | | best treated by an eye-care specialist. It is not |
| like substances. Although this form of | | | | advisable to treat these with any OTC products |
| conjunctivitis can occur all year long, the | | | | unless so advised by your physician. |
| symptoms may be more severe during seasonal | | | | In fact, it is best to consult a physician or |
| changes. The symptoms are very similar to those | | | | specialist before treating any eye affliction with |
| of the seasonal form. | | | | O-T-C medications. While they may provide |
| Again, this type of allergic conjunctivitis can be | | | | short-term relief, it is not always wise to treat |
| treated by OTC and prescription medications. One | | | | one's eyes without first knowing the exact cause |
| may also avoid pet/animal dander and feathers to | | | | of the allergic conjunctivitis, and the most |
| lessen the chances of "attacks." The use of an air | | | | effective and safest form of treatment. Misuse |
| purifier indoors can also provide relief from | | | | of OTCs can cause other eye ailments or |
| irritants which may cause this allergic reaction. | | | | damage which may or may not be reversible. So |
| Although untreated bouts of seasonal or perennial | | | | always consult the appropriate health care |
| allergic conjunctivitis rarely lead to long-term | | | | professional before treating yourself. |