Spring rains favor allergic conjunctivitis
Spring rains are generally beneficial, but as it never rains to everyone's taste, if you are allergic extreme precautions. And it is the experts warn that, although this spring has a moderate risk for allergy sufferers, episodes of rain increase the concentration of pollens, especially if they are accompanied by winds and can cause allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation, not contagious, of the membrane that lines the surface of the eye.
Spring storms and allergic conjunctivitis
One of the most common eye disorders when spring arrives is allergic conjunctivitis, a disorder of great incidence in the population that can be aggravated by rainy days, which favor the concentration of pollen, especially if accompanied by wind.
Although this spring is expected to be moderate for those allergic to pollen and grasses, Dr. María Capote, ophthalmologist at Hospital La Milagrosa in Madrid warns that "abrupt increases in pollen concentrations occur on spring storm days, which they can cause episodes of allergic conjunctivitis. "
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the surface of the eye. This inflammation is a response of the organism against the presence of an external factor such as the allergen. "It is not an infection and therefore it is not contagious," says Dr. Capote.
In terms of their duration, they can be prolonged over time, in people with allergies to mites, to cosmetic products or to preservatives of eye drops. However, it can also be seasonal and sprout only in spring, at which time the pollen volume increases, affecting a larger population group that is sensitive to it.
In the case of children, allergic conjunctivitis is very common at school. In many cases his symptoms of continuous blinking are confused with nervous tics or "children's manias". It is important that before any symptom that is observed (winking eyes, rubbing or increased blinking ...), go to the ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, explains dra. Cloak.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
When the conjunctival membrane is inflamed, it makes the blood vessels more visible by giving the eye a reddish color that is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Itching and feeling of grit
- Inflammation of the eyelids
- Lachrymation
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Legañas
How to prevent allergic conjunctivitis
The best way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid exposure to the allergen. In many cases it is complicated but a series of measures can be taken into account to minimize the symptoms as much as possible, such as:
In cases of chronic allergic conjunctivitis:
- Maintain proper household hygiene, mattresses and synthetic linens
- Avoid carpets that tend to have more mites
In cases of seasonal conjunctivitis:
- Close the windows on windy days
- Place anti-pollen filters
- Do not rub your eyes
- Frequent hand washing
- Do not wear contact lenses during crises.
- Reviews in Ophthalmology Services to detect early symptoms and be able to treat them in time.
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
The treatment of allergic conjunctivitis begins with local measures such as washing with cold saline and artificial tears without preservatives to avoid dry eye syndrome.
"When these measures are not sufficient or effective, explains Maria Capote, it is recommended to go back to the trusted ophthalmologist to assess the need to administer anti-inflammatory eye drops, antihistamines, corticosteroids or even oral medication."
But is it necessary to be happy? In most cases, the treatment is effective and no further testing is necessary. Those patients who do not improve despite their treatment, or the symptoms have an impact on their rhythm of life, it will be their ophthalmologist who will indicate the possibility of skin tests.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
Advice: Dr. María Capote, ophthalmologist at Hospital La Milagrosa in Madrid.