What kind of disease is allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is a disease in which the conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the surface of the eye, becomes inflamed in response to allergenic substances (allergens).
Allergens include pollen, dust, pet hair, and mold spores.
When allergens fly into the surface of the eye, the body recognizes them as foreign and produces antibodies.
The antibodies produced by repeated exposure to allergin react,
Chemical transmitters such as histamine are secreted by cells called mast cells in the conjunctiva.
This acts on the blood vessels, causing them to swell and fluid in the blood to seep out, resulting in the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is classified into seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which occurs only during certain seasons, and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, which causes symptoms all year round.
Seasonal is often caused by pollen, while perennial is often caused by dust, pet hair, mold, etc.
Younger people can have severe cases, and the chronic, severe form is called vernal catarrh.
There is also a type of conjunctivitis called giant papillary conjunctivitis caused by allergy to contact lenses.
What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
The main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are itchy, bloodshot, watery, watery eyes, gurgling eyes, and eye discharge.
Symptoms are usually present in both eyes and are characterized by itchy eyes compared to other conjunctivitis.
What tests are performed when allergic conjunctivitis is suspected?
Allergic conjunctivitis is diagnosed by observation of symptoms and eye condition.
To investigate the cause more precisely, a blood test called specific IgE antibody is performed.
This is a test for the presence of antibodies called IgE to various substances that may cause allergies.
IgE is an antibody that causes allergies. Results are graded on a 7-point scale, with 2 or higher being considered positive.
However, since a substance that tests positive in a blood test is not necessarily the cause of the allergy, the final decision must be made based on symptoms and progress.
Other tests using tear fluid or conjunctival cells may be performed in cases where diagnosis is difficult.
What is the treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is treated by avoidance of allergens and medication to control symptoms.
Avoidance from allergens varies depending on the cause. For example, in the case of house dust, measures include keeping the room clean and using an air purifier, while in the case of hay fever, measures include wearing a mask, goggles, and glasses when going out and washing clothes when returning home.
The first medication to control symptoms is allergy-reducing eyedrops (eye drops).
Drugs such as histamine receptor antagonists and chemical mediator release inhibitors are often used initially with few side effects.
Steroid eye drops may be used if symptoms are not controlled by these medications.
In addition, when symptoms other than eye symptoms, such as rhinitis, are also present, allergy suppressing medications are often used.
With proper management and treatment, allergic conjunctivitis can be a comfortable life for many people.
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to find the right treatment and prevent serious illness.
The following tests and treatments for allergic conjunctivitis can be performed at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic.
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for allergic conjunctivitis can be performed at our clinic
Examination: Blood test
Treatment: Prescription of medications to control symptoms
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