Every year in spring: test of strength for allergy sufferers, because as soon as the first pollen flies, the eyes itch and burn. Conjunctivitis is the diagnosis that often occurs seasonally in people who suffer from hay fever. The so-called “red eye” is the most common eye disease, which can have many other causes besides allergies, such as drafts, bacteria, viruses or general diseases. Why pollen allergy sufferers particularly often suffer from conjunctivitis and what then helps, read here.
The pollen season
For most pollen allergy sufferers, the time of suffering begins between February and May. As soon as spring is on its way, the air becomes a burden for some people. This is because the wind transports pollen from early bloomers such as hazel and alder into our airways – much to the detriment of people affected by hay fever. Depending on which pollen one is allergic to, the pollen season can last well into September.
The allergic reaction to pollen
When pollen comes into contact with the mucous membranes in the nose and respiratory tract of allergy sufferers, proteins are released in the body that cause a defensive reaction: The nose runs, you have to sneeze constantly and breathing is more difficult than usual. But the eyes are also often affected. This is because the pollen not only gets into the nose and airways, but also comes into direct contact with the conjunctiva of the eye. However, this is not protected by the mucous membranes like the nose and bronchial tubes, so that the conjunctiva is particularly susceptible to allergic irritation and even allergic conjunctivitis caused by pollen.
Symptoms of irritated eyes in hay fever.
Allergy-related reactions of the eyes can be recognized by various signs. These include:
- Itching and burning eyes
- Watery, but at the same time often dry eyes
- Reddened and swollen eyes
- Rings under the eyes
- A foreign body sensation in the eye
- Vision problems
- Light sensitivity
What helps with acutely irritated eyes?
It is best to try to avoid the allergy triggers – in the case of hay fever, the pollen flying around. However, since it is difficult to stay indoors only for months, there are other ways to relieve the discomfort of irritated eyes. Cold compresses can help with mildly irritated eyes. This is because they constrict the blood vessels dilated by the allergic reaction and thus provide relief. Drops that supply the eye with tear substitute fluid also have a soothing effect. If one suffers from more irritated eyes, medication can be resorted to for treatment, such as:
- Vasoconstrictive eye drops
- Eye drops or tablets with antihistamines
- Eye drops or tablets with mast cell stabilizers
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (with cortisone)
Desensitization: help in the long term
Desensitization (also hyposensitization) can mitigate and even prevent allergic reactions in the long term. The affected person is usually injected with increasing doses of the allergen to which he or she is allergic over a period of three years. This gradually reduces the immune system‘s hypersensitivity to the allergens.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Often the cause of conjunctivitis is an allergy. So-called rhinoconjunctivitis (allergic conjunctivitis) results from hypersensitivity to certain allergens and is usually accompanied by hay fever. The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are the same as those of an allergic reaction in the eye. However, the following symptoms also occur:
- Secretion of a watery secretion.
- Agglutinated eyelids
- Mucus and secretion on the cornea cloud the vision
Differences from normal conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis caused by allergies and external stimuli is not contagious – unlike conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses. Especially if the symptoms appear in both eyes at the same time, it is most likely rhinoconjunctivitis. If the signs only appear in one eye, the possibility of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses is more likely.
See a doctor if you have conjunctivitis
Since every conjunctivitis can also hide serious eye diseases, such as an iris or glaucoma, it is important that those affected by conjunctivitis absolutely consult an ophthalmologist. This is because any conjunctivitis that goes untreated for more than 24 hours, or is treated incorrectly due to self-diagnosis, risks causing irreparable damage to the eyes. Ophthalmologists strongly recommend: take any conjunctivitis seriously!
Causes of conjunctivitis
“Red eye” can be caused by allergies and environmental irritants, bacteria and viruses, as well as injuries or other inflammation in the eye. In any case, the many possible causes of conjunctivitis should be investigated by an ophthalmologist to avoid possible long-term damage to the eye.
Warning signal conjunctivitis
Inflamed, red eyes are not always an expression of an allergic reaction or the result of environmental stimuli that promote inflammation. Rather, the supposed conjunctivitis is often just a symptom of another eye disease. Thus, injuries of the cornea, iris or sclera as well as inflammatory processes in other areas of the eye are often initially perceived by the affected person as unpleasant, but supposedly harmless conjunctivitis and the visit to the doctor is first postponed.
Serious eye diseases possible
Eye pain that is perceived as deep-seated, vision deterioration or a one-sided change in the pupils can signal that a more serious eye disease is hiding behind the apparent conjunctivitis. At the latest when these warning signals appear, those affected should definitely consult an ophthalmologist, as the symptoms of serious eye diseases are sometimes indistinguishable from those of harmless conjunctivitis. Often irreparable eye damage can then only be avoided if the doctor quickly initiates the right treatment. Particular danger comes from the sudden increase in intraocular pressure, the so-called acute glaucoma attack, which can also show symptoms of conjunctivitis and is therefore often underestimated. Especially in such cases, vision can only be saved by immediate ophthalmologic treatment.
