Allergic conjunctivitis: What causes it?

Spring is the season of the year that most accentuates and worsens the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.. The rising temperatures and dry weather characteristic of this season favor its appearance, with allergic conjunctivitis being one of the most prevalent and common eye conditions. In most cases, it isn’t serious, but it does contribute to the appearance of uncomfortable eye discomfort.

Why does it cause conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and protects its surface. In some cases, this membrane becomes inflamed due to the presence of a virus or some other spring allergies. In spring, it is primarily associated with pollen, as its appearance coincides with the pollination cycle of many plants. However, allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by other agents, such as pet hair, mites, or fungi. In these cases, it is called perennial allergic conjunctivitis , which means it can develop at any time of the year.

Spring bloating can affect people of any age, although it is most common in patients between 18 and 35 years old, with equal incidence in both sexes. It can generally be caused by genetic factors, so it is more likely to develop in people with a family history.

Conjunctivitis symptoms

The symptoms of conjunctivitis can be various: itching, watering , red eyes, swelling of the eyelidsEye discharge, eye pain, and, in the most severe cases, photophobia or blurred vision are the symptoms that this eye condition can cause. They usually appear in both eyes, but spring allergic conjunctivitis can also affect just one eye.

It also causes ocular hypersensitivity with the presence of substances such as pollen in the eye.. It may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as spring cold or nasal congestion .

Conjunctivitis prevention

The most effective preventive measure is environmental control. Avoiding outdoor activities, closing your home’s windows, using a filtered air conditioner, and wearing sunglasses are all recommended preventive measures. Once an allergy has developed, it’s important to: gently cleanse our eyes and thus expel allergens from the ocular surface. It is advisable to use specialized wipes .

It is also advisable to visit an ophthalmologist like José Nieto and once the discomfort has begun. The doctor will assess the severity of the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment to eliminate it. In cases of mild vernal allergic conjunctivitis, topical antihistamines are often used. If these are ineffective, indicating a more severe condition, corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Collaboration with your ophthalmologist is essential to eliminating spring allergic conjunctivitis and leaving behind the discomfort that sometimes prevents you from carrying out your normal daily life.

Conjunctivitis due to Covid

If you don’t usually suffer from conjunctivitis and it suddenly appears, don’t let it go unnoticed, as it’s a possible symptom of COVID-19. If you have any doubts about it, it’s best to consult a doctor so they can perform a PCR test to clarify any doubts.

If you suffer from conjunctivitis due to Coronavirus you should Apply saline, cold compresses, and antihistamine eye drops if itching occurs. But remember, this should always be prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

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