From the Guidelines
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds are the most common allergens that trigger allergic conjunctivitis, particularly during seasonal changes. Other common allergens include animal dander from pets like cats and dogs, dust mites found in household dust, mold spores, and certain cosmetics or eye drops 1. These allergens trigger an immune response when they come into contact with the eye's conjunctiva, causing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators that lead to typical symptoms like redness, itching, tearing, and swelling.
Key Allergens
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
- Animal dander from pets like cats and dogs
- Dust mites found in household dust
- Mold spores
- Certain cosmetics or eye drops Identifying the specific allergen through careful observation of when symptoms occur or through allergy testing can help in avoiding triggers and managing the condition effectively 1. Treatment typically involves antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen or olopatadine, mast cell stabilizers, or in some cases, short courses of mild steroid eye drops under medical supervision 1.
Management Strategies
- Avoiding allergens
- Using antihistamine eye drops
- Using mast cell stabilizers
- Using short courses of mild steroid eye drops under medical supervision
- Wearing sunglasses as a barrier to airborne allergens
- Applying cold compresses
- Using refrigerated artificial tears
- Avoiding eye rubbing It is essential to note that the management of allergic conjunctivitis should prioritize the reduction of symptoms and the prevention of future episodes, while also considering the potential risks and benefits of different treatment options 1.
From the Research
Common Allergens of Allergic Conjunctivitis
- The exact common allergens of allergic conjunctivitis are not specified in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment and Pathogenesis
- Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergen-induced immune response secondary to the binding of immunoglobulin-E (IgE) to sensitized mast cells 4.
- Activation and degranulation of mast cells lead to increased tear levels of histamine, tryptase, leukotrienes, cytokines, and prostaglandins 4.
- The release of these factors initiates the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the conjunctival mucosa, which causes the late-phase reaction 4.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
- Signs and symptoms of ocular allergies include itching, tearing, chemosis, and hyperemia, which can lead to decreased productivity and poor quality of life 4.
- Many treatment options are available to improve symptoms, including mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, dual-acting agents, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and other off-label treatment modalities 4, 5, 6.
- Dual-acting drugs offer advantages over single-agent treatments, with fewer adverse reactions and no potential impacts on learning and memory in both children and adults 6.