🏥 I. What is the Five Senses Department?

The "Five Senses Department" is a colloquial term used by the public or in some hospitals to refer to the combined departments of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology; it is not a strictly defined medical specialty name.
In modern hospitals, these are generally divided into two independent departments:

• Ophthalmology: : Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

• Otolaryngology:   Diagnoses and treats diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

However, allergic conjunctivitis often occurs concurrently with allergic rhinitis (a condition known as combined ocular and nasal allergy), and patients usually seek initial treatment at the Five Senses Department or Otolaryngology Department. For this reason, the term "Five Senses Department" is still widely used.

✅ Suggestions for accurate department selection:

• Main symptoms of itchy eyes, redness and tearing → First choice: Ophthalmology

• Concurrent nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose → Can consult Otolaryngology or Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department

🌿 II. What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?

🔹 Medical Name:

Allergic Conjunctivitis refers to an immune inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane covering the surface of the eyeball and the inner side of the eyelid) caused by allergen stimulation.

It is not an infection caused by bacteria or viruses and is not contagious.

🔹 Pathogenesis:

Allergy-prone individuals come into contact with allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites) → The immune system releases inflammatory mediators such as histamine → Conjunctival blood vessels dilate and exude fluid → Symptoms of itchy eyes, redness and swelling, and tearing appear.

📌 III. Main Types and Symptoms

1. Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC)

• The most common type

• Onset occurs in fixed seasons each year (e.g., spring: March–May, autumn: August–October)

• Closely associated with pollen allergy

2. Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis(PAC)

• Onset occurs throughout the year

• Mainly associated with dust mites, mold and pet dander

3. Other Types(Less common but more severe)

• Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC): More common in children, with symptoms worsening in spring and summer.

• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): Associated with contact lens wear or ocular surgery.

✅ Typical Symptoms (the "Four Cardinal Signs")

🔹 Associated Symptoms:

• Eyelid swelling

• Photophobia (light sensitivity)

• Foreign body sensation (as if there is sand in the eyes)

• Often coexists with allergic rhinitis (referred to as allergic rhinoconjunctivitis)

⚠️ Caution: Frequent eye rubbing may lead to corneal damage, astigmatism, and even keratoconus.

🔍 IV. Common Allergens

V. How to Diagnose? – Ophthalmology/Five Senses Department Examination

1. Medical History Inquiry

• Time of symptom onset, seasonal pattern, history of rhinitis

2. Slit Lamp Examination(Core)

• Doctors examine the eyes with a professional microscope

• Typical findings: Conjunctival congestion, edema, and papillary hyperplasia (resembling cobblestones)

3. Allergen Testing

• Skin prick test or serum IgE test: Identify the specific allergen

4.        Conjunctival Smear Examination(In special cases)

• Detect eosinophils to assist in diagnosis

💊 VI. Treatment Methods

1. Allergen Avoidance(Fundamental)

2. Pharmacological Treatment(Topical Administration as the Mainstay)

✅ Recommended Regimen: Olopatadine eye drops combined with artificial tear drops, 2 to 3 times a day.

3. Cold Compress

• Apply a cold towel or ice pack to the eyes for rapid relief of itching and swelling.

4. Immunotherapy (Desensitization Therapy)

• For patients with concurrent allergic rhinitis and identified allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen), sublingual or subcutaneous desensitization therapy may be considered.

• This therapy can significantly reduce ocular and nasal symptoms and prevent the development of asthma.

🏥 VII. When to Consult an Ophthalmologist/Five Senses Department?

Recommend seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing the following:

• Persistent eye itching, redness and tearing that interfere with study or work

• Increased ocular discharge with difficulty opening the eyes

• Ocular discomfort in contact lens wearers

• Recurrent symptoms in fixed seasons each year

• A need to identify allergens and receive standardized treatment

⚠️ VIII. Differentiation from Other Ocular Diseases

💡 Key Distinction: Ocular pruritus is the hallmark symptom of allergic conjunctivitis.

✅ IX. Summary

📌 Warm Reminders for Patients:

1. Do not rub your eyes! Rubbing will worsen the inflammation and may cause corneal damage.

2. Wear well-sealed goggles when going out during pollen season – they are more effective than ordinary sunglasses.

3. Wash your hands before using eye drops, and do not let the bottle tip touch your eyes to avoid contamination.

4. For patients with concurrent allergic rhinitis, combined treatment for both the nose and eyes will yield better results.

If you suffer from recurrent eye itching, redness and swelling, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist or a specialist in the five senses department as early as possible. With scientific management, you can bid farewell to bloodshot, itchy eyes for good!