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Eye Allergies |
Eye Allergies (Allergic Conjunctivitis)Purpose of Eyes is to visualize the objects.
The obstruction for visualization is caused by allergies or infections. The eyes are protected by Conjunctiva - tissue lining, covering white surface of eye balls and inner folds of eye lids. It is a barrier structure which is exposed to air and outer atmosphere. It has very rich blood vessels with high mast content than lung.
This is an important protection to the eyes against airborne and viral allergies.
Another protection is Tears [Lactimals] glands.The glands are located in the inner and outer portion of eyes. They produce watery components - Tears, which contains important immune defense substances for protection. The substances are mainly immunoglobulin [antibodies], lymphocytes [specialized white blood cells ] and enzymes.
Cornea is a transparent sheath in front of the lens of eye. Cornea has no blood vessels and has low immune activity.
The allergic symptoms are Hay fever [allergic rhinitis], Atopic dermatitis], Asthma, hives. The allergies can cause by cosmetics, excessive medications, and Ocular allergies such as pollens, dust mites, molds and dander’s. Food such as cow milk eggs nuts or soy, smokes and strong odors. The others are drug such as, Antibiotics and aspirins.
Habit of rubbing eyes is also a one of the cause.
Conjunctiva bars air borne allergies, Lacteal [tears] bars from infections. Allergy symptoms are shown when the protective fields are not able to protect from allergens by its Immunity system as they are not able to resist. When allergens come in contact of eyes, body releases Histamine because the immune system can not resist. The histamine is concentrated mast cells.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the Conjunctiva. The common symptoms are itching under the eye lid, excessive watering, swelling of eye balls, Symptoms of conjunctivitis which are in accordance with infection are; eye lids gets glued up on while waking, sensitivity to light, pus on surface of eye or burning sensation.
Treatments are mostly in topical form.
The best treatment is prevention. The topical medicines are eye drops or an ointment. The eye drops are the quickest relief giving medicines. It helps two manners; One washing the allergens physically and secondly moisturize the eyes.
For histamine, antihistamine drops are given. These drops block the
Histamine receptors in the conjunctiva and do not allow the eyes to dry.
In case of conjunctivitis there are drops to act against conjunctant. It reduces redness of the eyes. But care has to be taken for not using the drops for prolonged period, other wise it will have adverse effect of swelling.
Looking to the seriousness and neccesity doctors may prescribe topical
medicines with steroids. These medicines are highly effective but wrong or prolong treatment can lead to, damage to the eyes or cataracts or may cause blindness. |
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