Allergic conjunctivitis; It is a condition in which eye symptoms occur after allergen exposure, which is mostly seen in children but can also be seen in adults. The main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include eye redness, watering and light sensitivity. However, its main symptom is itching and it can be seen as acute or chronic. Patients often have a history of other allergic diseases such as eczema, asthma or rhinitis. There are various main types and they are examined in subgroups.
Acute allergic conjunctivitis occurs as a result of Type 1 allergy sensitivity, which occurs after the contact of a large amount of allergens to the conjunctiva. It usually causes eye itching and redness that occurs after excessive exposure to carpets, grass, or pets.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is an eye reaction due to increased meadow grass and plant pollen in spring and autumn, also known as hay fever. Since it is caused by pollen, it may be accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as sneezing, shortness of breath, and cough. In general, it is more common in the children's age group.
In the condition called vernal conjunctivitis, which is more common in boys, findings involving the eyelids and the transparent layer of the eye, which we call the cornea, can be seen. Vernal conjunctivitis is mostly observed in hot and dry climate geography.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis; It is a clinical condition that occurs after chronic friction and exposure of foreign objects such as contact lenses, prostheses or suture materials. The patient may experience excessive itching, redness and secretions in line with the symptoms.
The basic treatment of allergic conjunctivitis involves removing the allergenic agent. Frequent hand and face washing and a daily change of clean clothes are recommended. Cold application treatments relieve the condition. The ophthalmologist monitors the patients' eye symptoms with anti-allergic drop treatment and/or systemic allergy treatment. The follow-up ophthalmologist may arrange additional treatments according to the signs of eye involvement.
Child and adult patients with allergies and eye symptoms should undergo routine eye examinations. They need to go to their ophthalmologists earlier if their periodic complaints increase and they need to be under control.
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