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Allergic conjunctivitis is also a type of allergic reaction
which is the inflammation of the conjunctiva – the thin
layer of cells or membrane that covers the surface of the
sclera- the white part of the eyes as well as the inner
sides of the eyelids – due to the allergy. This condition is
also called the Atopic Conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is supposed to be caused by various
conditions, but the commonly known cause may be the hay
fever. The symptoms of alergic conjunctivitis generally
include: redness mostly due to vasolidation of the
peripheral small blood vessels; itching and enhanced
lacrimation – the production of tears. If such conditions
combine with allergic rhinitis then it is medically known as
alergic rhino-conjunctivitis.
The symptoms are mostly due to the discharge of histamines
as well as other active substances by mast cells that
stimulate dilation of blood vessels, irritate nerve endings
and enhance the secretion of tears. There are different
types of allergic conjunctivitis include Seasonal
conjunctivitis, Perennial conjunctivitis, Vernal
conjunctivitis, Gonorrheal conjunctivitis and Chlamydia
conjunctivitis. Gonorrheal conjunctivitis normally causes
profuse pus-like discharge which if left untreated may lead
to permanent blindness in remote cases.
The treatment of alergic conjunctivitis is averting the
probable allergen which means the grass especially during
the bloom or the hay fever season, as well as treating with
antihistamines – either topical eye drops or systemic like
oral - tablets or capsules. Cromoglicate is widely used
topically for treating the allergic conjunctivitis. Also
chemicals like silver nitrate or antibiotic eye drops are
routinely administered in disorders like Gonorrheal or
Chlamydia types of conjunctivitis.
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