Atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis

Atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis (AZS) is one of the forms of allergic eye diseases that can cause significant discomfort and affect the patient’s quality of life. In this article, we will take a closer look at this disease, discussing its symptoms, complications, and treatment methods, paying attention to the cooperation of an ophthalmologist, allergist and dermatologist in the therapeutic process.

What is atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis?

Atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis is one of the most common types of eye inflammation in patients suffering from allergies. This disease is caused by the body’s allergic reaction to allergenic substances, such as pollen, dust, pet hair, as well as certain ingredients of cosmetics and medicines. This reaction results in inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the front of the eye, and the cornea, the transparent part of the eye responsible for refracting light and directing it to the retina.

Symptoms of atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be diverse and include:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning and feeling of sand under the eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Red, swollen conjunctiva
• Decreased visual acuity

These symptoms can be very bothersome for the patient and lead to significant discomfort in everyday life. It is worth noting that atopic dermatitis can occur in varying degrees of severity, from mild to severe.

Complications of atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis

If left untreated, atopic dermatitis can lead to complications that may threaten eye health. One of the potential complications is corneal keratosis, i.e. loss of transparency of this structure, which may lead to permanent deterioration of vision. Additionally, constant scratching and rubbing of the eyes to relieve itching can damage the conjunctiva and increase the risk of eye infections.

Treatment – cooperation between an ophthalmologist, an allergist and a dermatologist

Effective treatment of atopic dermatitis requires the cooperation of various specialists, including an ophthalmologist, an allergist and a dermatologist. An ophthalmologist diagnoses the disease and monitors the condition of the patient’s eyes. The allergist helps identify allergens that may cause allergic reactions and, together with the patient, develops an allergen avoidance strategy. A dermatologist, however, may be needed to treat skin lesions that often accompany atopic dermatitis.

Your suggestions

If you suspect atopic conjunctivitis and keratitis in yourself or someone around you, do not delay visiting a specialist. The sooner the diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the lower the risk of complications and the greater the chance of improving the quality of life. Also remember to make regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist and an allergist to help monitor your eye health.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of atopic dermatitis, we also recommend reading our other articles on the subject, where you will find more information about the diagnosis, treatment and ways of dealing with the symptoms of this disease.