Allergic Conjunctivitis.

 

Definition:

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inside of the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivtis is specifically caused by an allergy.

 

 

Causes:

An allergy is due to the body's immune system overreacting to a a stimulus to which it has become sensitive. Commonly, allergic conjunctivitis can be due to pollen, but may also be due to other causes, such as animal hair or house dust mites.

 

 

Presentation:

Allergic conjunctivitis is characterised by gritty, itchy red eyes. Both eyes are

affected and symptoms develop quickly. Eyelids may swell, although it is not

usually painful, and vision is not affected.

 

Eyelids may water more than usual, but are not likey to be gluey or sticky.

 

 

Differential Diagnosis:

Exclude irritant dermatitis by ensuring patient hasn't got any foreign bodies in the

eye, or that chemicals have entered the eye.

 

Ensure there has been no trauma to the eye.

 

Check the eyes are not stuck together in the morning- this can be a sign of

infective (or bacterial) conjunctivitis.

 

If a patient complains of moderate to severe pain, photophobia or has glaucoma,

they should be referred to a GP.

 

 

Treatment:

Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with sodium chromoglicate eye drops (e.g.

Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops), TWO drops should be instilled in each eye FOUR

times daily. 

 

Antihistamine eye drops may also be used.

 

 

Self Help Advice:

Remove contact lenses until symptoms subside.

 

Avoid rubbing the eyes.

 

Avoid allergen if possible- do not go outside at dawn and dusk, keep windows shut during

pollen season and wear wrap around sunglasses.

 

Place cool compresses (such as a flannel soaked in water) onto the eye to reduce symptoms.

 

 

Sample Question:

You are asked to recommend suitable treatment for the following patients. For which patient or patients might it be appropriate for you to recommend a non-prescription medication in the first instance rather than advise them to see their GP? You may select more than one answer if applicable.

 

a) a woman with itchiness on the surface of her eye

b) a man with blurred vision

c) a woman with pain within her eyes 

 

Answers to all sample questions can be found by following the link under the Test Yourself tab.