allergic conjunctivitis

conjunctivitis /con·junc·ti·vi·tis/ (kon-junk″tĭ-vi´tis) inflammation of the conjunctiva.

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acute contagious conjunctivitis , acute epidemic conjunctivitis pinkeye; a highly contagious form of conjunctivitis caused by Haemophilus aegyptius.

acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis  a contagious form due to infection with enteroviruses.

allergic conjunctivitis  conjunctival inflammation, itching, tearing, and redness caused by allergens.

atopic conjunctivitis  allergic conjunctivitis of the immediate type, due to airborne allergens such as pollens, dusts, spores, and animal hair.

gonococcal conjunctivitis , gonorrheal conjunctivitis a severe form due to infection with gonococci.

granular conjunctivitis  trachoma.

inclusion conjunctivitis  conjunctivitis affecting newborn infants, caused by a strain of Chlamydia trachomatis, beginning as acute purulent conjunctivitis and leading to papillary hypertrophy of the palpebral conjunctiva.

neonatal conjunctivitis  ophthalmia neonatorum.

phlyctenular conjunctivitis  that marked by small vesicles surrounded by a reddened zone.

spring conjunctivitis , vernal conjunctivitis a bilateral idiopathic form usually occurring in the spring in children.

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allergic conjunctivitis

n.

Conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction to a substance. Also called atopic conjunctivitis.

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allergic conjunctivitis,

an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by an allergy. Common allergens that cause this condition are pollen, grass, topical medications, air pollutants, occupational irritants, and smoke. This condition is bilateral, usually starts before puberty, and commonly recurs in a seasonal pattern. Also called redeye. See also conjunctivitis.

observations Common signs include itching, burning, and swelling around the eyes and excessive tearing. Eosinophils predominate in stained blood smears. The diagnosis is usually based on the results of cultures and sensitivity tests to identify the causative allergen.

interventions Oral antihistamines and vasoconstrictor and corticosteroid eyedrops, such as predniSONE are typically prescribed.

nursing considerations Cold compresses may be administered.

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allergic conjunctivitis

Ophthalmology Allergy-induced conjunctival inflammation which may accompany hay fever Clinical Itchy, red, tearing eyes Management Topical cromolyn, vasoconstrictors, cold compresses, oral antihistamines, air-conditioning. See Hay fever.