Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment in Chandigarh

Allergic conjunctivitis (Vernal Catarrh, Spring Catarrh) is caused by airborne allergens (e.g., pollen, dust) contacting the eye. It typically presents as bilateral ocular pruritus (itching), redness, and watery discharge. It may be perennial (all year round) or seasonal (SAC) in spring or pollen season.

Basic Eye Care

Several general measures are helpful to most patients with allergic conjunctivitis:

Patients should not rub their eyes because it aggravates irritation.
Cool compresses can help reduce itching and eyelid swelling.
Frequent use of refrigerated or cooled artificial tears can help dilute and remove allergens.
Allergen avoidance measures (avoid dust and pollen) are important, e.g., using protective sunglasses or visor for two-wheeler drivers.
Reduce or stop use of contact lenses during symptomatic periods, as allergens can adhere to lenses.

TREATMENT

Antihistamine/vasoconstrictor combination products (nephazoline and phenaramine), antihistamines with mast cell stabilizing properties (olopatadine), mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn sodium), and for refractory symptoms, topical glucocorticoids.

1. Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizing agents include cromolyn sodium. Full efficacy is reached 5–14 days after therapy, so they are not useful for acute symptoms.

2. Glucocorticoids

Topical glucocorticoids (steroid eye drops) may be considered for patients with refractory symptoms. Use only for short "pulse therapy" of up to 2 weeks. Side effects include cataract formation, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma, and secondary infections.

3. Artificial Tears

Dry eye can coexist with allergic conjunctivitis and worsen it:

Allergen concentration is higher with tear film insufficiency.
Ability to rinse away allergens is diminished.
Topical antihistamine with mast cell stabilizers (olopatadine) is recommended for frequent episodes.
For SAC, start treatment 2–4 weeks before symptoms. In patients with concomitant allergic rhinitis, adding intranasal glucocorticoid spray or oral antihistamine helps.

Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu)

Signs include discharge, redness, watering, foreign body sensation, grittiness, and matting of eyelashes.

Discharge is more purulent in bacterial conjunctivitis than in viral conjunctivitis (clear watery).

Treatment

Prevention is better than cure.
Never touch or rub eyes without washing hands.
Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading infection.
Topical antibiotics are mainstay for bacterial forms.
Anti-allergic drops/tablets for allergic conjunctivitis to relieve itchiness.
Warm compresses for soothing; cold compresses help allergic conjunctivitis.
Avoid steroid eye drops without ophthalmologist guidance.