Envision Eye Clinic

Allergic Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

This is a common disease and can be chronic, especially in children. It occurs when the conjunctiva -- the thin, transparent membrane that lines your eyeball and your eyelid -- becomes inflamed for various reasons. Most cases run a predictable course, and the inflammation usually clears up in a few days.
Although Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious (known to spread rapidly in schools), it is rarely serious and will not damage your vision if detected and treated promptly.

What causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is caused by an irritant. It could be a bacterial or viral infection, a chemical exposure, or a reaction to eye drops. The possible allergens that lead to allergic conjunctivitis are

  1. Dust
  2. Pollens
  3. Smoke
  4. Animal hair and feathers

When to see a Doctor?

Watch out for the following symptoms:

  1. Redness in the white of the eye and inner side of the eyelid
  2. Irritation
  3. Watering
  4. Itching of the eyes
  5. Heavy discharge of pus and mucus from the eyes

Some Do’s and Don’ts

  1. Avoid exposure to dust
  2. Contact lenses which are worn must be removed
  3. For protection, plain glass can be worn
  4. Hands and eyes must be often washed.
  5. Use icepacks on eyelids to reduce itching.
  6. Do not touch or rub affected eye.
  7. Steroid eye drops may be used after consulting and under the strict supervision of a registered eye doctor.
  8. Self-medication with steroids may cause an elevation in the pressure of the eye which may result in glaucoma and eventually irreparable vision loss.

In most of the cases, this disease does not cause vision impairment.  Powerful medicines, though sometimes give immediate relief, should not be used without the advice of a doctor, since they will cause vision threatening side effects.