Eye Allergies from A to Z

With the arrival of spring, there is an increase in complaints such as redness and itching in the eyes. This condition, which is seen due to the eyes reacting to some substances in the air by showing hypersensitivity, is medically called allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is more common in the spring months known as the allergy season due to the effect of pollen flying in the air. Kudret Göz Istanbul Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr Cem Selvi shared important information about the symptoms and treatment of this disease, which negatively affects the quality of life of the person.

Why do eyes get red?

Op. Dr Cem Selvi: “Conjunctivitis, popularly known as pink eye, is one of the most common eye diseases in both adults and children. It is caused by inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the sclera, the white part of the eyes. This transparent membrane contains the blood vessels that cover the white part of the eye. The dilation of the blood vessels causes the appearance that causes the disease to be known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis can occur for various reasons. Various substances such as pollen, chemicals, dust, animal hair, mould, etc. cause hypersensitivity in some people, leading to reactions such as oedema, infection, burning, watering, itching, sensitivity to light (photophobia). Allergic conjunctivitis causes our eyes to overreact by defending against some foreign substances.”

What Causes Allergy?

Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Selvi gave information about the types and causes of allergic conjunctivitis: “Allergic conjunctivitis are known by various names according to their causes and the symptoms they cause. Eye allergies that develop due to certain substances in the air such as pollen, house dust mite are called seasonal conjunctivitis if they cause complaints periodically and perennial conjunctivitis if they are continuous. In addition, there are also conjunctivitis that develop suddenly and rapidly due to contact with the allergenic substance. Chemicals such as eye drops, eye ointment, make-up, cosmetics or insect stings can cause acute allergies. Symptoms such as swelling, watering, itching and redness of the eyelids occur suddenly after severe contact with the allergen. The symptoms usually disappear spontaneously within about 48 hours after contact with the allergen is stopped. Although it is very rare, eye allergy may also develop due to contact lens use. This allergy, which is medically called giant papillary conjunctivitis, is caused by reasons such as inadequate hygiene, inappropriate lens use, poor quality lens solution. It is seen in one in 100 of contact lens wearers. There is also a type called atopic keratoconjunctivitis, which is seen in people who are genetically prone to allergies. This type, which develops in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, is rare but dangerous enough to cause vision loss. Another type of allergic conjunctivitis is vernal keratoconjunctivitis. It is also known as spring keratoconjunctivitis because it is seen in the spring months, especially in regions with warm and dry climates. It is frequently seen in boys between the ages of 5 and 15.”

Eye Allergies Increase with Spring!

Kudret Göz Istanbul Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Cem Selvi explained the increase in eye allergies in spring with the following words: “Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is especially seen due to pollen and moulds in the air. A different type of pollen can cause an allergic reaction in everyone. Although plant varieties shed pollen at different times, it is known that the pollen of the three main plant families that are found to cause pollen allergy is actively distributed in the air, especially in spring. Meadow grass pollen, which is the most common plant species causing pollen allergy in our country, spreads in May – July. Although moulds can cause allergies both seasonally and throughout the year, increased rainfall in spring and falling leaves in autumn increase the amount of mould in the air. Seasonal conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by other hay fever complaints such as runny nose and sore throat. Allergic conjunctivitis can also develop due to allergies to house dust mites, animal hair and mould fungi, regardless of the season. This eye allergy, which continues throughout the year regardless of the seasons, is called perennial conjunctivitis. These people usually have persistent allergic rhinitis with complaints such as sneezing and runny nose.”

Suggestions from Op. Dr Cem Selvi:

Kudret Göz Istanbul Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr Cem Selvi made some suggestions to protect against eye allergies:

• Eye allergies can occur alone, with diseases involving the upper respiratory tract or with an allergic skin condition such as eczema. The only way to be sure whether an allergy is present and to receive appropriate treatment depending on the type of allergy is to consult your doctor.
• Allergies often cause itchy eyes. Do not scratch your eyes, even if it is difficult to resist, and remember that rubbing will cause more damage to your eyes.
• If you wear contact lenses, take a break from lens use until your doctor says you can use them again.
• Do not apply make-up on your eyes during this period.
• Wash your hands frequently and pay great attention to hand hygiene. You may be touching your eyes and face with your hands many times during the day without even realising it.
• If you have pollen allergy, pay more attention to the use of sunglasses. Consider sunglasses not as an accessory, but as a precautionary measure for your health like the beanie and scarf you use in winter. Even if the weather is not sunny, do not neglect to use sunglasses especially in spring.
• If you are allergic to house dust mites, cover your beds, pillows and quilts with special covers that do not pass allergens. Change your mattress, bed linen and pillowcases frequently and wash them at over 60 degrees Celsius. Carpets, mats and rugs harbour dust mites, especially try not to keep them in your bedroom. Do not prefer wool, feather and goose feather materials because they harbour mites. If your child is allergic to house dust mites, do not choose plush toys. If you are allergic, prefer sunlit and well-ventilated rooms. Try to keep the humidity level in your home between 30-50%.
• If you are allergic to house mould, pay attention to plumbing, building insulation, framing, whitewash, paint renovation, renovation and maintenance.

Remember, these blog posts are for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.