Defining Allergic Conjunctivitis

An inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids. This is the definition of the condition called allergic conjunctivitis. The cause of the inflammation are allergy triggers (common allergic triggers for the condition include both dander and pollen). The most noticeable symptom is the reddened, swollen eyelid. Other symptoms common to the condition include: dilated vessels (in clear tissue of the covering white of the eye), intense itching in the area, burning sensation in the eyes, puffy eyelids (increased puffiness is typically evident in the early morning), tearing eyes, stringy discharge from the eye, red eyes, etc.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a result of exposure to a particular allergen or trigger. When the individual is exposed to their particular allergen or trigger histamine will be released. Blood vessels in the conjunctiva will swell. The eyes will become reddened. And other symptoms will begin to present.

Why do allergic conditions happen? Where do allergies come from typically? In a lot of cases "allergies" appear to run in families. The actual method of genetic inheritance has not yet been pinpointed by the experts and researchers, but familial connections are evident to the casual observer and studies support this probable theory. Allergic conditions are often hard to accurately identify because there is such a high number of allergy related conditions as well as types of allergy related conditions and all of them are lumped together with similar indicators and symptoms.

Allergic conjunctivitis symptom severity can be increased by the following:

1. the continued exposure of the patient to the allergen triggering the condition
2. patients that rub their inflamed eyes
3. patients that refuse proper treatment

Individuals who have allergic conjunctivitis have the highest chance of beating the condition and eliminating their future exposure to allergens. Avoidance of allergens can decrease the severity of symptoms and/or eliminate the condition altogether depending upon how effective the patient is in their avoidance procedures. The most effective way to experience relief from allergy related conditions is through a specialist like an allergist.

Treating allergic conjunctivitis can commonly offer relief of the symptoms. Allergy sufferers can expect the condition to present repeatedly with exposure to the same allergen. As is the case with any allergic condition, allergy sufferers are required to avoid the allergen in future so they can avoid negative allergic reactions.

For some allergy sufferers this is not possible. Avoidance measures are only successful with certain allergens. Other allergens are unavoidable. And some allergens are not identifiable; therefore they cannot be avoided.

People who are suffering from allergic conjunctivitis don't often have to experience any serious complications. But the condition does bring fairly persistent discomfort. An effective allergy treatment plan should begin immediately in cases of allergic conjunctivitis in order to maximize the benefit of working with an experienced allergist.