Giant papillary conjunctivitis is characterized by the development of tiny nodules on your conjunctiva which produces a constant irritation in the eye, release of watery mucus, and a sensation that there is a foreign body in your eye.
The condition develops because of incessant abrasion of the conjunctiva by a foreign body with which it is in continuous contact.
Signs And Symptoms Of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is a chronic condition which develops over a long interval of time, due to a relentless friction between the conjunctiva and an object. Signs and symptoms include:
- Red, inflamed eye.
- Constant irritation in the eye.
- Itching and burning sensation.
- Sand-like particle sensation.
- Watery discharge from the eyes.
- Blurring of the vision.
- Those who use contact lens find it difficult to wear their lens; it may stick to the inside of the eyelid, or needs everyday cleaning.
What Causes Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis?
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis is an allergic response to the constant rubbing between your conjunctiva and some foreign body – physical device, such as contact lenses or a suture present in the eye.This foreign body constantly rubs against the conjunctiva every time your eyes blink.
- A long-term and unceasing usage of contact lenses is the chief cause for the development of giant papillary conjunctivitis. The substance that the contact lens is made of or the solution the lenses are kept in or the deposits that accumulate on the contact lenses, cause proteins to build up in the eye. This triggers alterations in the soft tissues of the eye, which consequently sets off an allergic response. When your conjunctiva comes in contact with the specific allergen, the body synthesizes histamine which sets off an allergy.
- In case you have a family history of allergies you will be more vulnerable to the condition.
- The presence of other disorders such as – eczema, asthma, or hay fever could also be a triggering factor which kicks off giant papillary conjunctivitis.
Treatment For Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
You need to confer with your ophthalmologist without any delay, get the eyes tested and examined and then start off treatment promptly. Management usually comprises of:
- Avoiding wearing your contact lens for 10 to 15 days, or as needed; use eye glasses instead.
- It is vital that you need to deal with implants or exposed sutures effectively.
- Applying cold compresses helps deal with the redness, irritation and discomfort.
- Your doctor will prescribe you certain drugs such as – mast cell stabilizers and anti histamines.
- Your doctor will also recommend anti inflammatory eye drops to manage the symptoms better.
- In extreme cases, you will be given corticosteroids.
- Immunotherapy is rarely given; it is usually used to benumb the body and make sure that it does not overreact to external triggers. This therapy is employed in cases of a very severe allergic response which fails to respond to any treatment and when other medical conditions / disorders are present as well.
- Furthermore, you need to ensure proper selection and handling of your contact lenses and regular changing of your lenses; this will put a stop to a repetition of the condition.