Do you suffer from vernal ophthalmia?

The spring season, with its beautiful flowers, turns into a source of pain and discomfort for many people.

So if you want to know the reasons that lead to spring ophthalmia at that time every year, and what are the ways to prevent it, follow this article with me.

What is vernal ophthalmia?

Vernal ophthalmia, also known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, is the most common type of eye allergy.

This chronic inflammation often occurs during the spring and summer months, due to a natural seasonal increase in allergens in the air, such as pollen.

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis results from your immune system's reaction to allergens.

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Causes of vernal ophthalmia

Vernal allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an increase in allergens in the air, such as: –

1. Pollen.
2. Pet dander.
3. Mold.

It may also occur due to irritating or toxic substances, such as: –

1. Shampoo.
2. cosmetics.
3. Contact lenses.
4. Cigarette smoke.
5. Swimming pool chlorine.
6. Certain types of medications, especially medications used to treat the following: –

•  Open angle glaucoma.
• اضطرابات المناعة.
• Conjunctival tumors.

Vernal conjunctivitis often occurs in people with a strong family history of allergies, such as:

• التهاب الأنف التحسسي.
• الربو.
• الأكزيما.

Symptoms of vernal ophthalmia

Vernal ophthalmia causes many common symptoms, and they may also be similar to other eye diseases, such as: –

• Pain or discomfort in the eye.
• Severe eye itching and an urgent desire to rub it.
• Redness in the whites of the eyes, or on the inner surface of the eyelids.
• Burning sensation in the eye.
• Discomfort with bright light (photophobia).
• Blurred vision.
• Swelling, or puffiness of the eyelids.
• Foreign body sensation (feeling as if something is stuck in the eye when nothing is there).
• Excessive tears.
• The inside of the eyelids (mostly the upper eyelids) may become rough, covered in bumps and white mucus.
• Discharge from the eye (usually thicker than normal tear fluid).

These symptoms may be accompanied by nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose, itching, or sneezing.

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How is vernal ophthalmia diagnosed?

There are no diagnostic criteria or approved laboratory tests to diagnose vernal allergic conjunctivitis, but this inflammation is usually diagnosed through the following: –

1. Review your symptoms.
2. Ask about your medical and family history.
3. Examine your eye.

The doctor may also advise you to undergo blood tests or skin allergy tests to diagnose and identify the allergens causing your allergic reaction.

How can vernal ophthalmia be treated?

The choice of treatment for vernal allergic conjunctivitis depends on the severity of the allergic response, and therefore there are many treatments, such as: –

• Lubricating eye drops.
• Anti-allergic eye drops.
• Decongestants.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Cold or warm compresses applied to your closed eyes several times daily;
• Antihistamines, because they cause most of the common symptoms associated with vernal conjunctivitis.
• Steroids.

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How can vernal ophthalmia be prevented?

If you have a medical or family history of allergies, vernal ophthalmia cannot be completely prevented.

1. Avoid allergens.
2. Wash your face after exposure to allergens, such as dust or pollen.
3. Clean the house frequently to get rid of pet dander.
4. Wash clothes and bed linen frequently.
5. Shower before bed.
6. Apply lubricating drops to the eyes, making sure they are not contaminated.

Tips for living with vernal ophthalmia

Our eyes are one of the most important organs in our body.

• Wear sunglasses to reduce the effects of harmful radiation resulting from them.
• Wash your eyes regularly with cold water, to keep them clean and avoid any allergic reactions or infections in the spring season.
• Use eye drops that help wash allergens from your eyes.
• Clean your contact lenses, to avoid infection.
• Cleaning the house regularly.
• Drink at least two liters of water per day, as hydration helps get rid of excess salts in the body and keeps the eyes healthy and hydrated.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke, which may lead to eye dryness and irritation.
• Visit an eye doctor and undergo regular examinations.
• Stay away from sources of dust and pollen, in order to reduce the effects of these allergens on the eyes.
• Avoid windy days, wear an allergy mask, or cover your nose and mouth;
• Do not touch or rub your eyes, as this may cause redness.
• Follow a diet rich in nutrients;
• Leafy vegetables.
• Acidic fruits.
• Chia seeds.
• المكسرات.
• fish.
• البيض.
• Sunflower seeds.
• Carrots.
• Get periods of rest between tasks, such as using the computer or watching TV;

Frequently asked questions about vernal ophthalmia

If you suffer from vernal allergic conjunctivitis, you may have many questions on your mind, such as: –

What is the difference between vernal ophthalmia and trachomatous ophthalmia?

1. Trachoma, also known as trachoma, is a bacterial disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis, and may cause permanent vision loss.
2. Trachoma is a contagious disease, as it can be transmitted from one person to another through personal contact, such as: –

• Contact with contaminated eye and nose secretions.
• Bed covers.
• Their clothes.
• Flies can also transmit contaminated secretions from one person to another.

1. Vernal ophthalmia is known as vernal allergic conjunctivitis, and it is a chronic, long-term inflammation that occurs due to a natural seasonal increase in allergens in the air during the spring and summer, such as: –

• الغبار.
• Pollen.
• Cigarette smoke.
• Pet hair.

1. Vernal allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is not transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person.

What is the best drop to treat vernal ophthalmia?

Cyclosporine 0.1% eye drops are effective in treating vernal conjunctivitis, as they significantly improve symptoms without major side effects.

How many days does ophthalmia last?

Ophthalmia, or conjunctivitis, is a condition that affects the eye due to infection or allergy.

In conclusion, I now realize, dear reader, what vernal ophthalmia is?

We answered some questions that may be on your mind regarding vernal allergic conjunctivitis.

Therefore, if you suffer from vernal allergic conjunctivitis, you must go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital immediately, so that the best doctors can help you examine your eye, evaluate its condition, and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Medical references 

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Vernal conjunctivitis