LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Conjunctivitis: Allergic Conjunctivitis
built 657 days ago
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The condition is very common since the conjunctiva is exposed to many substances that can cause infection or an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis can be either acute or chronic. An acute condition is one that flares up suddenly and lasts a fairly short time. A chronic condition is one that lasts for a long time, usually many years.
Source:
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane (covering) of the eye or eyelid. Infectious conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is a highly contagious infection that is caused by bacteria or a virus. It is most common among children. When conjunctivitis is triggered by allergies, it is called allergic conjunctivitis and can affect anyone.
Source:
Conjunctivitis is considered extremely common in the United States. Three percent of all ED visits are ocular related, and conjunctivitis is responsible for approximately 30% of all eye complaints. Approximately 15% of the population will have an allergic conjunctivitis episode at some time.
Source:
Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated by removing the allergic substance from a person's environment, if possible; by applying cool compresses to the eye; and by administering eye drops 4รข€“6 times daily for four days. Also, the antihistamine diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) may help to relieve itchy eyes. In 2002, a new study showed that loteprednol and azelastine are two potential treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. Some doctors have prescribed ophthalimic steroids, but they can cause complications in patients. These potential new treatments offer alternatives to steroids for patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
Source:
SJS can cause serious eye problems, such as severe conjunctivitis; iritis, an inflammation inside the eye; corneal blisters and erosions; and corneal holes. In some cases, the ocular complications from SJS can be disabling and lead to severe vision loss. The most commonly cited cause of SJS is an adverse allergic drug reaction. Almost any drug--but most particularly sulfa drugs--can cause SJS. The allergic reaction to the drug may not occur until 7-14 days after first using it. SJS can ... be preceded by a viral infection, such as herpes or the mumps, and its accompanying fever, sore throat, and sluggishness. Treatment for the eye may include artificial tears, antibiotics, or corticosteroids.
Source:
If treated properly, the prognosis for conjunctivitis is good. Conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction should clear up once the allergen is removed. However, allergic conjunctivitis will likely recur if the individual again comes into contact with the particular allergen. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or a virus, if treated properly, is usually resolved in ten to 14 days. If there is no relief of symptoms in 48 to 72 hours, or there is moderate to severe eye pain, changes in vision, or the conjunctivitis is suspected to be caused by herpes simplex, a physician should be notified immediately. If untreated or if treatment fails and is not corrected, conjunctivitis may cause visual impairment by spreading to other parts of the eye, such as the cornea.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Allergic Conjunctivitis