What are conjunctival follicles?
Conjunctival follicles are round collections of lymphocytes, often most prominent in the inferior fornix. Blood vessels may overly the follicles, but are not a prominent component within them. This helps differentiate follicles from conjunctival papillae.
What causes follicles on conjunctiva?
Acute follicular conjunctivitis is usually associated with viral (epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, Herpes zoster keratoconjunctivitis, infectious mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus infection) or chlamydial infections (Inclusion conjunctivitis), while chronic disease may be caused by chronic chlamydial infection (trachoma.
How are conjunctival follicles treated?
In most cases, follicular conjunctivitis responds quickly to treatment and medications can be gradually tapered over time. Your veterinarian may also recommend flushing the eye with saline, on a one-time or repeated basis. Flushing the eyes helps to remove debris and allergens that may be affecting the eye.
What is mild follicular conjunctivitis?
Follicular conjunctivitis is the mildest form of a viral conjunctival infection. It has an acute onset, initially unilateral with the second eye becoming involved in a week. It presents with a watery discharge, conjunctival redness, follicular reaction and a preauricular lymphadenopathy on the affected side.
How can you tell the difference between bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis?
They may follow a wave of seasonal allergies and can be present alongside an itchy nose, sneezing, asthma, and a scratchy throat. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually occurs with an ear infection, while viral conjunctivitis occurs after a respiratory infection or common cold.
What are home remedies for eye allergies?
Soak a towel or washcloth in cold water or refrigerate a damp cloth or eye pillow. Then lie down with the compress across your eyes to let the coolness reduce swollen eyelids. Try allergy eye drops. Ogbogu suggests trying an over-the-counter eye drop made to soothe itchy, swollen eyes caused by allergies.
What is a follicular reaction?
Follicular reactions can be described as multiple, slightly ele- vated lesions with the appearance of rice grains and most evi- dent in the fornices (see Figure 1). Follicular reactions are commonly seen in viral and chlamydial infections.
Is there any cure for eye allergy?
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can give short-term relief of some eye allergy symptoms. Prescription treatments can provide both short- and long-term help. Sterile saline rinses and eye lubricants can soothe irritated eyes and help flush out allergens.
How do you get rid of watery eyes from allergies?
Other Ways to Reduce Symptoms
- Wear sunglasses when you go outside.
- Rinse your eyes with preservative-free saline water or apply a cold, wet washcloth.
- Use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to moisten dry eyes and wash out allergens.
- Take out your contact lenses.
- Don’t rub your eyes, no matter how much they itch.