Conjunctivitis: an environmental factor increases the risk 9 times

With the arrival of spring, the mercury rises and the opportunities to spend increase more time outdoors. With the awakening of nature, however, the nightmare of the gods also returns pollen and of seasonal allergies. Saccording to the Italian Association of Ophthalmologists, if we add theair pollution and theexposure to smoke, the onset or worsening of allergic conjunctivitis becomes much more likely.

Read also: Conjunctivitis, uveitis, blepharitis: the most common eye diseases and how to deal with them

the study

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A systematic review published in the journal Lifebased on the analysis of 29 studies totaling over 3 million outpatient visits related to allergic conjunctivitis, suggests that pollen and air pollutants tend to act synergistically in determining the symptoms of the disease. Above all, the atmospheric particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and ozone. Exposure to these elements is in fact associated with an increase in outpatient visits and the risk of developing the disease. Alone, ozone is associated with an 8% increase in visits for allergic conjunctivitis, and fine particles (pm 2.5) increase the risk up to nine times.

Conjunctivitis, advice from ophthalmologists

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The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include redness, swelling And itching affecting the eyes, to which they can be added burning, tearing And photosensitivity. Particular attention, according to specialists, should be paid to contact lens wearers and children. In addition to worsening symptoms, secondhand smoke can also exacerbate allergic kerato-conjunctivitiswhile e-cigarettes can affect the tear film and promote inflammatory processes.

Avoiding trigger factors is the first measure, but not the only one. Ophthalmologists also recommend limiting outdoor exposure on days with high pollen concentrations (there are specific mobile applications) and wearing wrap-around sunglasses. And if necessary, you can resort to natural eye drops or antihistamines. Absolutely no to do-it-yourself with antibiotics or cortisone, in the absence of medical consultation.