Allergies of the Eyes
“Pinkeye” is a term often used to describe the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. This is also called conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid as well as the white part of the eye. There are many causes of “pinkeye” or conjunctivitis and allergies are just one cause.
When allergies cause the conjunctivitis, it is referred by to as allergic conjunctivitis. Other causes of conjunctivitis include infections, trauma, a foreign body in the eye, subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding), chemicals, certain autoimmune diseases, and other irritants such as smoke. Infectious causes are usually due to either viruses or bacteria. Most of the causes of conjunctivitis other than allergies and autoimmune diseases usually affect only one eye.
When allergies cause conjunctivitis, both eyes are usually affected. Note that allergies can affect many other parts of the body including the skin, nose, throat, ears, sinuses, and lungs. Most people with allergic conjunctivitis also experience allergic rhinitis (i.e., hay fever). Allergic rhinitis symptoms may include some or all of the following:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy nose
- Sinus pressure
- Headaches
- Fatigue
When allergens affect the lungs, asthma can occur and individuals will complain of wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and/or chest tightness. People that have a history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions are more likely to have allergic conjunctivitis. We will focus on allergies of the eyes which is very irritating and annoying to individuals that suffer from eye allergies.
Some of the common symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Puffiness of the eyelids
- Thick crusty discharge
- The feeling that one’s eyes are stuck together.
Allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis are primarily due to an allergic reaction to specific allergens such as pollens, molds, pets, and dust mites which affect the eyes and nose causing symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis is diagnosed fairly easily by a board certified allergist or ophthalmologist. Allergists commonly skin test individuals to different allergens that they are likely to come in contact with in order to diagnose this condition. The positive skin tests, in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination, will usually be enough of a work up in order to make a definitive diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. Occasionally, blood tests are used instead of skin tests in selected patients, depending on the circumstance of the individual. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is treated.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated by a Washington DC allergist in a multitude of ways. Prevention is the most desirable, meaning that the individual is to avoid the offending allergen such as cat, dog, tree pollen, etc. This is not always possible, but there are many things that can be done by the patient to reduce his/her exposure to these allergens.
In addition to prevention, treatment can include oral antihistamines, eye drops, and even nasal sprays to treat the eye allergies. It often may take several trials of different medications or combinations of medications to get the desired relief from the irritating eye symptoms. In patients that have severe eye symptoms or more of a chronic eye problem due to allergies, allergy shots (i.e., allergy immunotherapy, allergy desensitization, allergy injections), are very effective in preventing the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. They also can help treat allergic rhinitis and asthma in most instances. Allergy shots have been used for more than 100 years and are effective in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, and/or allergic asthma in 80-85% of the cases. They can be give to people of all ages from little children to the elderly.
If you suffer from “pinkeye” or “pinkeyes,” you may make an appointment with your ophthalmologist and/or allergist, so that they can determine its cause and treat you promptly and appropriately.
Thanks to our friend and blog author, Michael R. Kletz of Black & Kletz Allergy, for his insight into the symptoms, causes, and treatments of eye allergies.
BY: Retina Orange County
Eye care news
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Car Accidents & Eye Injuries
How Car Accidents and Eye Injuries Are Connected: Your Laguna Hills Eye Doctor Explains
Car accidents are one major reason why people make appointments to see their local Laguna Hills eye doctor. Although many do not realize it, car accidents can easily cause injuries in and around the brain, and brain injuries may be directly connected to ocular injuries too. At the Retina Associates of Orange County, many patients have come to our office with eye injuries related to traumatic brain injuries, or other traumas caused by car accidents.
We believe that it is important for patients to feel comfortable with their Laguna Hills eye doctor when they come to the Retina Associates of Orange County. While an experienced Laguna Hills eye doctor will acknowledge that every person’s case is unique, patients should feel comfortable in knowing that certain eye injuries may be common and treatable.
When an individual is involved in a car accident — even a minor one — it is possible to sustain injuries to the head, neck, and brain. These injuries may require extensive and continued treatment from an eye doctor Laguna Hills can trust. If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, a car accident lawyer may suggest you seek compensation to help with the cost of your necessary treatment.
Whiplash is a common injury resulting from car accidents whereby the neck is jolted suddenly and extends or turns in an unnatural way. It’s possible for this type of sudden movement to cause an eye injury without having any effect on the brain.
If the individual suffers a blunt force to the head or neck, such as coming in contact with an airbag as it deploys, the risk of suffering a brain and/or eye injury may increase. Although brain injuries do not necessarily lead to ocular injuries, it is possible for an accident to cause both.
Three common types of eye injuries that an experienced eye doctor in Laguna Hills may see as a result from car accidents are:
- Retinal tears and detachment: The retina may become detached from the eye when it loses its “connection” with the vitreous, a clear gel in the middle section of the eye. A strong enough force can cause the vitreous to pull away from the retina and tear it; in some cases, it can pull the retina off of the eye.
- Vitreous hemorrhage: The vitreous is an essential part of the eye; light passes through the vitreous and hits the retina, and the vitreous must be clear so that images are processed correctly. A severe car accident may cause blood vessels in the eye to rupture and bleed into the vitreous.
- Damage to the optic nerve: Patients who have experienced brain damage may be more likely to experience optic nerve damage as well. An injury affecting the head could potentially create a great deal of swelling in and around the brain, which puts pressure onto a part of each eye called the optic nerve. When one or both optic nerves is under too much pressure, the nerves can be damaged and potentially lead to loss of vision.
Call Today For an Appointment With a Laguna Hills Eye Doctor
If you have been involved in a car accident and you believe you may be suffering from an eye injury, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County today. Our team of eye doctors and retina specialists welcomes inquiries from prospective clients, and we’re happy to sit down with new patients and discuss possible treatment options for accident-related injuries. To request an appointment at our Laguna Hills office, call us today at (949) 777-5011.
At the Retina Associates of Orange County, we’re proud that our patients always know they can call us when they need a Laguna Hills eye doctor they can trust.
BY: Retina Orange County
Eye care news
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