Eye Problems Not Always Caused By Rosacea
'Hay fever eyes'Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the eye equivalent of hay fever and affects up to 25 per cent of the general population. The eyes become itchy, watery and red in the summer pollen season - usually from exposure to grass and tree pollen.
A more severe form of this disease seen in children is vernal conjunctivitis where the symptoms are more intense. The eyes are very sticky with a stringy discharge and pain occurs especially when opening the eyes on waking. The eyelid inner membranes swell with the conjunctiva developing a cobblestone appearance, corneal damage may even occur if the condition is left untreated.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis tends to occur all year round with house dust mite and cat allergy. The symptoms are usually milder than those in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
'Eczema eyes'
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis although rare is the most severe manifestation of allergic eye disease occurring predominantly in adult males. It is the eye equivalent of severe eczema. This persistent condition results in constant itching, dry eyes, blurred vision and is associated with corneal swelling and scarring. Eyelid eczema and infection are common and lens cataracts may develop over time.
Contact lens allergy
Contact lens wearers may develop giant papillary conjunctivitis triggered by the constant local irritation of the contact lenses on the conjunctival surfaces. The lining of the upper eyelid is usually most affected. Disposable contact lenses may help settle symptoms but occasionally contact lens wearing has to be suspended.
Never use steroid eye drops unless under the direct supervision of a doctor. Steroid eye drops although very effective for treating eye allergies can lead to unwanted side effects such as glaucoma, cataract formation and encourage infections of the eye with resultant corneal scarring.
A more severe form of this disease seen in children is vernal conjunctivitis where the symptoms are more intense. The eyes are very sticky with a stringy discharge and pain occurs especially when opening the eyes on waking. The eyelid inner membranes swell with the conjunctiva developing a cobblestone appearance, corneal damage may even occur if the condition is left untreated.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis tends to occur all year round with house dust mite and cat allergy. The symptoms are usually milder than those in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
'Eczema eyes'
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis although rare is the most severe manifestation of allergic eye disease occurring predominantly in adult males. It is the eye equivalent of severe eczema. This persistent condition results in constant itching, dry eyes, blurred vision and is associated with corneal swelling and scarring. Eyelid eczema and infection are common and lens cataracts may develop over time.
Contact lens allergy
Contact lens wearers may develop giant papillary conjunctivitis triggered by the constant local irritation of the contact lenses on the conjunctival surfaces. The lining of the upper eyelid is usually most affected. Disposable contact lenses may help settle symptoms but occasionally contact lens wearing has to be suspended.
Never use steroid eye drops unless under the direct supervision of a doctor. Steroid eye drops although very effective for treating eye allergies can lead to unwanted side effects such as glaucoma, cataract formation and encourage infections of the eye with resultant corneal scarring.
posted by Nick Riley at 9:07 AM
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