Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis

Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis

Article
Allergy
Eye & Vision
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAApr 28, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Conjunctivitis from Airborne Irritants

What is Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis is a form of conjunctivitis that is typically caused when the eyes are exposed to irritating dust and chemical vapors
  • This may occur in an occupational environment. The symptoms are observed almost immediately on exposure; within a few minutes of eye exposure to the offending agents
  • Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis causes itching and redness of the eye, painful eye inflammation, and even blurred vision. If left untreated, it can result in damage to the eye and even corneal scars
  • The treatment of Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis involves a complete avoidance of the causative agent and the use of medications that may include oral antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers
  • Generally, the condition resolves without any significant complications, with proper treatment. However, identifying and avoiding the offending substance is the most important step towards preventing Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis

Who gets Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis can affect individuals of any age
  • Both men and women are affected by this condition; though men may be at a higher risk due to the nature of their occupation (industry-related)
  • No racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is observed. Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis is a condition that is observed worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk for Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis may include exposure to any of the following substances:

  • Industrial fumes from chemicals
  • Exposure to ammonia and formaldehyde vapors
  • Dust from an industrial setting such as from woodcutting or fiberglass cutting
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Vehicular exhaust

Individuals in the following trades or profession are at an increased risk:

  • Factory or industrial workers such as welders, glass blowers, etc.
  • Agriculture and farming
  • Mining
  • Construction workers
  • Transportation
  • Cooks and chefs
  • Individuals working in the environmental services

Also, people living in highly polluted cities and towns (pollution that occurs due to dust, smoke, and other airborne particulate matter) have a high risk for the condition.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis? (Etiology)

  • Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis, which is caused by exposure to external agents or particles that cause an allergic inflammatory response
  • When the allergen comes into contact with the conjunctiva and mucus membranes lining the eyes, the body releases histamine (an organic chemical) triggering the allergy symptoms
  • In many cases, continuous and repeated exposure to the harmful airborne particulate matter or allergens takes place. Such an exposure is typically seen in an industrial or occupational setup
  • The allergens could be organic dust, metal-based or wood-based fumes, agriculture products, industrial chemicals (organic and inorganic), microorganisms, etc.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis?

Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis signs and symptoms are normally observed right after exposure to the allergens/irritants. It may include the following:

  • Watery eyes
  • Redness and itching of the eyes; feeling of sand particles within the eyes
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurring of vision

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis would include:

  • A complete evaluation of one’s medical history (including occupational history, nature of work) to learn about the source of the condition
  • A thorough physical (eye) examination to observe the signs and symptoms of the condition
  • Slit lamp exam (if necessary), for a detailed study of the eye
  • Blood analysis; to measure serum IgE level, eosinophil count, etc.
  • Allergy skin test or radioallergosorbent test to determine the specific allergy-causing substance
  • Examination of conjunctival scrapings; culture to rule out an infectious cause 

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis?

Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis could lead to the following complications:

  • Corneal damage, scar
  • Damage to the eye
  • Susceptibility to bacterial, viral infections
  • Sinusitis
  • Recurrence of the condition
  • Other complications that are related to exposure of the body to toxic chemicals
  • Absence from work, decreased productivity

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis Treated?

Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis may be managed through the following measures:

  • Avoiding exposure to allergic substances that are known airborne irritants
  • Application of cold compress can help reduce discomfort
  • Administration of medications such as oral antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers
  • Immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the body and prevent it from overreacting to external triggers, if necessary

How can Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis be Prevented?

The following measures may be adopted to prevent Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis:

  • The most important preventive step is to identify and avoid the substance(s) that cause eye irritation
  • Use protective face masks or clothing
  • Observe safety regulations while handling chemical products
  • Enforce governmental regulations on workplace safety and exposure to pollutants, chemicals, irritants, etc.
  • Creating awareness amongst the workers and employers about exposure to harmful dust, chemicals, and vapors
  • If the condition is due to an occupational exposure, then the occupation or job-related tasks or habits may have to be modified

What is the Prognosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis usually resolves if further exposure to the (allergic) airborne substance is stopped. It has an excellent prognosis with suitable treatment
  • If the individual continues to get exposed to conjunctivitis-causing substances, the condition will persist and it may even worsen; in extreme cases, the vision may be affected

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Airborne Irritant Induced Conjunctivitis:

  • Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens or irritants that cause an allergic reaction when the eye comes into contact with these substances, such as pollen, dust, smoke, animal hair, perfumes, and cosmetics

The following article link will help you understand allergic conjunctivitis:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis/

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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