Burning, redness and tearing of the eyes are immediately associated with pollen allergy. However, the symptoms of conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergic reactions due to creams, cosmetics and even contact lenses – explains Professor Paolo Vinciguerra, director of Humanitas’ Ophthalmology Centre and lecturer at Humanitas University. If the person is genetically predisposed to allergic conjunctivitis, symptoms will manifest after contact with the allergen. For this reason, it is important to undergo allergological analysis to find out what causes the burning and chronic redness of both eyes. To avoid allergic reactions caused by the substances contained in cosmetics, it is very important to take care of the hygiene of the area around the eye, carefully removing any residual mascara, eye shadow, and foundation. Cleaning must be carried out rigorously with soothing and hypoallergenic disinfectants, after rinsing the face gently and without rubbing the eyes. In the case of contact lens allergy, wearing should be suspended until the allergic conjunctivitis resolves. Eye drops or artificial tears based on hyaluronic acid and amino acids may be used to relieve symptoms. The use of these eye drops has many advantages: they lubricate the eye, reducing the dryness caused by friction between the eyelid and the ocular surface, nourish the conjunctiva and the cornea, and remove any residual allergens deposited in the conjunctival bag. Cortisone-based drops should only be used in the manner prescribed by the expert.
