Keratoconjunctivitis and Eye Allergies
Keratoconjunctivitis is term used to describe inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Keratitis specifically is the inflammation of the cornea (i.e., the transparent dome that covers the pupil and the iris of the eye). Conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva [i.e., the thin membrane covering the sclera (i.e., the white of the eye) as well as the lining of the inner part of the eyelids]. It is more commonly referred to as “pink eye.” Keratoconjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of red and irritated eyes as millions of individuals visit doctors for this condition every year.
Most of the cases of keratoconjunctivitis and conjunctivitis are due to allergies. Conjunctivitis due to allergies is referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. Infections are another common cause of keratoconjunctivitis and conjunctivitis with viruses accounting for most of the infections across all age groups. Of note, conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is more common in children. Other infectious agents may include a parasite or a fungus. It should also be noted that an injury to the eye can inflame the cornea or conjunctiva without a secondary infection.
Types of Keratoconjunctivitis:
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is also commonly known as dry eye syndrome. Dry eye occurs when either the eye does not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. It can also occur when there is an imbalance in the tear mixture. Tears are comprised of water, fatty oils, and mucus. Individuals need the correct mixture of all three of these ingredients in order to properly nourish one’s eyes. Some of the more common causes may include allergies, contact lens use, pregnancy, meibomian gland (i.e., glands in eyelids that excrete oil into the tears) dysfunction, and certain medications such as (e.g., antihistamines, some blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants).
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is an eye infection caused by a specific virus called the human adenovirus. It is also known as “adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis” or just “viral keratoconjunctivitis.”
The incubation period of EKC is long and it is very contagious. It tends to spread quite easily especially when individuals are in close quarters (e.g., dormitories, hospitals, schools, arenas, movie theaters).
There’s no specific treatment for EKC. Symptoms typically last a few weeks in duration before abating. Adenoviruses may also target the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a recurrent, chronic allergic inflammation of the eyes. It generally results in small, round bumps known as giant papillae underneath the eyelid. VKC generally affects the upper eyelids more than the lower eyelids. The symptoms are much more common in the Spring with the arrival of pollen, particularly tree and/or grass pollen.
The cause is thought to be an allergic disorder, but may also involve genetic and/or immune system disorders. It is more common in tropical environments and is more common in boys than in girls.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the eye that usually affects patients with a history of atopic dermatitis (i.e., eczema). Males are affected with AKC more often than females, and it is more likely to involve the lower eyelids more than the upper eyelids.
Symptoms characteristically worsen in the Winters. Without treatment, AKC may lead to serious complications such as:
- Ulceration
- Keratoconus (i.e., thinning and bulging cornea)
- Corneal vascularization (i.e., growth of new blood vessels into the cornea
Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, particularly Type 1. Touching one’s eyes after touching a cold sore may transfer the virus to the eyes.
Allergic keratoconjunctivitis refers to any keratoconjunctivitis caused by an allergen. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, for example, are included in this group. The allergies can be seasonal or perennial in nature.
Symptoms of Keratoconjunctivitis:
Symptoms range from mild to severe. The symptoms may vary depending on the cause. Some symptoms associated with keratoconjunctivitis may include:
- Redness
- Itchiness/Burning
- Puffy eyelids
- Discharge from the eyes (i.e., watery eyes)
- Stickiness of the eyes (i.e., eyes become “glued shut”)
- Light sensitivity (i.e., photophobia)
- Dryness
- “Foreign body” sensation in the eyes
- Blurry of vision (usually mild)
Diagnosis of Keratoconjunctivitis:
The diagnosis can be made based on the medical history, symptoms, and visual inspection of the eyes. Depending on the initial findings, a physician may also want to examine:
- Visual acuity
- Under the eyelids
- Ocular pressure
- Pupillary reactions
- Discharge of the eyes
- Corneal sensation
In some cases, one may need to be tested for:
- Allergens
- Viruses
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetic conditions
Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis:
Treating the symptoms:
One may need a combination of therapies which may include:
- Topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers
- Preservative-free lubricating gels and ointments
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Topical corticosteroids
In cases of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca, punctal plugs may be inserted to reduce the drainage of the tears into the nose.
Treating the underlying condition(s):
Some viral infections, such as herpes, may require treatment with topical or oral antiviral medications. Any underlying autoimmune or genetic conditions may also need specific treatments.
Black & Kletz Allergy has board certified allergists in 3 convenient locations in the greater Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. The allergists are trained and very familiar with allergic eye disorders such as mentioned above. The allergy specialists at Black & Kletz Allergy diagnose and treat both adults and children. We offer on-site parking in our Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA locations. The Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible and the McLean office has a free shuttle that runs between the McLean office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. If you are experiencing what appears to be allergy symptoms associated with your eyes, please call us to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. Black & Kletz Allergy has been serving the needs of allergy and asthma sufferers in the Washington, DC metro area for more than 5 decades.