You wake up in the morning feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, but then your eyes start to hurt. You look in the mirror and see your eyes are all bloodshot red. You wonder how you could have caught this eye infection since you never come into contact with anyone suffering from an eye infection. You’d be surprised to know that it’s not just an infection, it’s an allergic condition called ‘allergic conjunctivitis’. This condition is often referred to as ‘red eyes’ or even ‘pink eyes’. There are several causes and different types of conjunctivitis. One of the most common and easily preventable types of this condition is allergic conjunctivitis. Understanding the causes of this condition, as well as preventing and treating it, can help to maintain healthy eyes.
Red eye due to allergy
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that encases the white of your eye and the inner surfaces of your eyelids. An allergic reaction is a hypersensitivity of your body to a specific stimulus. The stimulus can be any substance that is present in the environment and most often, the stimulus is airborne. Pollen, grass, weeds and molds are some of the most common causes of allergy. These can cause seasonal symptoms. Smoke, fumes, dust, dust mites, and cosmetics can cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, if you have pets, their secretions, saliva, or fur can also cause allergies.
Allergy is mediated by a chemical substance called histamine. It is produced and stored in a special type of cell called mast cells. When you come into contact with a possible trigger of allergy, histamine is released. Histamine results in the dilatation of small blood vessels. The dilated blood vessels increase blood flow and cause redness. The leaky blood vessels cause tissue fluid to build up in the eyes resulting in swelling, redness, itching, and watering of the eyes. These effects may disappear upon avoiding exposure to a stimulus and may reappear on subsequent exposure to the same or a different stimulus.
It is possible that a family history of allergies may predispose individuals to developing allergic conjunctivitis. If you have allergic conjunctivitis, it may be part of a general allergic reaction, such as hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is a condition with allergic symptoms in the nose. You may have other co-occurring allergic reactions, such as allergic asthma or skin allergy.
Red eye – Effect on eyesight
The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include swollen, red, watery eyes, which may itch. You may feel like you have a foreign body in your eyes. The pain and discomfort may increase when exposed to light. There are no adverse effects on your vision. Once the allergic trigger is gone, the inflammation goes away and your eyes return to normal, until a second exposure to the same or different stimulus causes an allergic reaction.
Treating allergic conjunctivitis
Allergy conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops and, in some cases, with oral medications, such as pills or syrups. Most commonly, eye drops are used. Because histamine is the primary cause of allergy conjunctivitis, the symptoms can be relieved by using antihistamines. Antihistamines will reduce swelling and congestion in your eyes. Also, antihistamines in eye drops can help to prevent histamine from being released from your mast cells. If you are looking for symptom relief from your pain, swelling and/or redness, an eye drop containing anti-inflammatory agents might be helpful. An eye drop product may contain at least one of these medications. Because these agents are short-acting, you may need to use them several times a day depending on the severity of your symptoms. In more severe cases, oral therapy may be necessary.
Artificial tears can also be used to irrigate your eyes and wash away the irritants in your eyes. They also soothe your eyes, moisten them and provide relief to your irritated eyes.
Adverse reactions to eye drop or other oral medications are possible. The most common side effect is a burning sensation in your eyes. This side effect usually resolves on its own over a short period of time. However, if the side effects become severe, you should stop taking the medication and see a doctor. Steroid eye drops may cause a rise in eye pressure, cause cataracts or make your eyes more sensitive to infections. Oral antihistamines can cause sedation, drowsiness and decreased concentration.
If you suffer from red eyes, keep your eyes clean. Avoid contact with substances you may be allergic to. When you go out, wear sunglasses. Wash your eyes with cool water many times a day. Don’t rub your eyes too hard and use a cool eye compress.
Avoiding allergic conjunctivitis
The most effective way to reduce the risk of developing another conjunctivitis episode is to avoid contact with the stimulus that is causing the symptoms. For those with an allergy to dust, avoid going outside during a dusty storm. For those with pollen allergies, avoid going out during peak pollen season. Follow the weather forecasts and plan your day accordingly. Clean your air conditioning units and monitor the humidity levels to prevent the growth of mold. Sweep floors with a wet rag rather than dusting or sweeping; clean all air ducts in the house. Avoid carpeting and opt for wood flooring or tiles. For those with cosmetics or perfume allergies, do not use them. Individuals with pets should keep them clean and avoid contact with any secretions or fur. Keep pets out of the bedroom, and wash hands immediately after handling the pet.
Wearing contact lenses
Avoid wearing your contacts when your eyes are inflamed. Contact lenses irritate your eyes and can make your symptoms worse. Instead, opt for glasses. If you’ve used contact lenses at any time during your symptoms, clean them thoroughly before using them again.
Eyes are precious, protect them!
Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body, and they deserve to be taken care of. Unfortunately, allergic conjunctivitis can make your eyes sore, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Being aware of this preventable condition and managing it early can improve your quality of life. Avoid triggers that lead to allergic conjunctivitis and let your eyes show you a better world!
