ALLERGIES OF THE EYE

Treatment of Eye Diseases

Allergy eyes or allergic conjunctivitis is a medical condition affecting more than 7 out of 10 allergy patients. Allergic conjunctivitis is irritation of the conjunctiva as a reaction to an allergic substance. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye (except the cornea) and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. The conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the eyes become watery, red, swollen, itchy, and often irritated. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

You may have tried antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, but they are not designed to relieve the specific symptoms of allergy eyes. Many allergy medications contain a decongestant, which can be drying to the eyes, and dry eyes can be more susceptible to allergens.

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Seasonal allergies include any and all of the miserable symptoms that attack patients in Spring and Fall. The symptoms are triggered by pollen released from flowers, grass, weeds and trees. Patients with seasonal allergies often complain of nasal congestion and sneezing as well as red, swollen, itching and tearing eyes.

During the spring and fall months, pollen levels are at their highest. Most eye allergies due to a pollen last 4 to 6 weeks, which is the length of most pollen seasons. Another type of allergen, mold, is also released through the air from substances such as leaves, grass, and hay.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis

Non-seasonal allergies such as dog or cat dander (skin flakes) and dust mites (tiny bugs that are related to spiders and ticks) also cause allergic conjunctivitis. Cleanliness, moisture levels, and other factors have impact on the number of dust mites found in your home. Mold can also develop in damp atmospheres within the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Preventing and Treating Eye Allergies

Avoiding the allergens that affect you is the best way to prevent allergy eyes. Staying indoors when mold and pollen levels are high, vacuuming the house to lift pet hair, pet dander, and dust mites are some examples of actions one can take to avoid or minimize allergic conjunctivitis reactions. But, most people who have seasonal allergies to pollen find it impossible to stay indoors in the Spring and Fall when pollen levels are the highest.

Exciting New Medications

Two medications have shown to be extremely successful in the management of allergy related eye conditions. Pataday and Patanol (olopatadine by Alcon Labs) both work on multiple mechanisms involved in the allergic eye response. They have very good safety profiles with virtually no reported side effects (other than occasional mild stinging with instillation). Ask your doctor at NSVC about these medications.

“Supportive Therapy” For Allergy Eyes:

Artificial Tears and Ocular Lubricants: Used to dilute allergens and inflammatory mediators, and to flush them out of the eye.

Cold Compresses: Used to reduce swelling and reduce symptoms of itching and swelling.

Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays are not designed to specifically relieve allergy eyes. In fact, 73% of allergy patients who take oral or nasal allergy medication still suffer from itchy, red, watery, swollen eyes. Instead, make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your eye allergies.

Daily Pollen Counts

You can obtain pollen counts for your area in your local newspaper or by calling the National Allergy Bureau at 1-800-9-POLLEN.

Cold Compresses: Used to reduce swelling and reduce symptoms of itching and swelling.

Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays are not designed to specifically relieve allergy eyes. In fact, 73% of allergy patients who take oral or nasal allergy medication still suffer from itchy, red, watery, swollen eyes. Instead, make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your eye allergies.