Allergic Conjunctivitis or Itchy Swollen Eyes

Eyes | Ophthalmology | Allergic Conjunctivitis or Itchy Swollen Eyes (Disease)


Description

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye or madras eye is inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids called conjunctiva. This condition causes redness, discomfort, and discharge from the affected eye.

Causes and Risk factors

It usually occurs due to an infection, usually viral, but sometimes bacterial, or an allergic reaction. Pink eye can occur in people of any age. Pink eye does not cause any changes in vision.

Conjunctivitis can be classified by cause in: allergic conjunctivitis; bacterial conjunctivitis; viral conjunctivitis; chemical conjunctivitis; neonatal conjunctivitis is often defined separately due to different organisms. By extent of involvement there is:

Blepharoconjunctivitis is the dual combination of conjunctivitis with blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids); Keratoconjunctivitis is the combination of conjunctivitis and keratitis (corneal inflammation) and Episcleritis is an inflammatory condition that produces a similar appearance to conjunctivitis, but without discharge or tearing.

There are many causes of pink eye. These can be classified as either infectious or noninfectious. Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by viral infection, but bacterial infections, allergies, other irritants and dryness are also common etiologies for its occurrence. Both bacterial and viral infections are contagious. Commonly, conjunctival infections are passed from person-to-person, but can also spread through contaminated objects or water.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The doctor should examine the patient and assessing signs and symptoms. The doctor will ask about other symptoms, such as sneezing and blocked/runny nose.

Whatever the cause of the conjunctivitis may be, the following may help: not wearing contact lenses until symptoms have cleared up completely, rubbing less the eyes, bathing the eyes with a flannel soaked in cold water, avoiding allergens (e. g. pollen). ...