Ocular Allergies
| Ocular Allergies | |
| Date: February 11, 2007 | |
While most people associate allergies with runny noses, sinus congestion, hacking and sneezing, allergies can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. Because the eyes are often a significant component of your allergies, they deserve specific attention and treatment. Those who have ocular allergies know that itching is the primary source of discomfort. Other common symptoms include redness, lid swelling, tearing, and swollen eyes. If you have dryness, stinging and the feeling that there is a foreign body in your eye, you likely have dry eye syndrome. Dry eyes unfortunately can make ocular allergies worse. Beyond being annoying, ocular allergies may be very disabling. Allergic symptoms typically occur when allergy sufferers are in situations that put them in close contact with allergens to which they are sensitive: i.e., mowing the lawn, spending time outdoors, playing with pets. Thus, it can affect one's desire to engage in these activities. In addition, appearance issues become a major quality of life factor for allergy sufferers - the appearance of red eyes and puffy eyelids can be bothersome because it gives the appearance of fatigue, or perhaps even illness, or substance abuse. To differentiate, dry eye sufferers typically feel 'tired eyes' or symptoms that affect them most in computer work, reading or watching TV. Eye allergies are anything but rare. In the U.S., and estimated 80 million people experience them, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the incidence appears to be on the rise. Northern Oklahoma is in the number one region for greatest allergy diagnosis in the US. It is a condition that is treated 365 days a year. In fact, this month red cedars are particularly bothersome. Some researchers believe that increased air pollution and cigarette smoke may be making people more sensitive to the usual culprits - seasonal and pet allergens that are usually harmless. But when the body's immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to these substances, an allergic reaction can occur whenever they come in contact with your eyes. So while many people enjoy the spring and fall, millions of others frequently live in dread of those times when the trees, grass and weeds begin to pollinate. People who are sensitive to these allergens experience seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye allergy. Conjunctivitis refers to a part of the eye called the conjunctiva that becomes inflamed when triggered by an allergen. All the signs and symptoms of allergy; itching, redness, tearing and inflammation occur when someone who is sensitive is exposed to allergens such as pollens, molds, house dust mites, animals and insects. The reason the eyes are so sensitive to these substances is that they, like the skin, are exposed, unprotected surfaces that are especially vulnerable to allergens and other irritants. Allergens cause cells in the eye, called "mast cells" to release histamine and other substances or chemicals that cause blood vessels to dilate, mucous membranes to itch, the eyes and eyelids to swell and tearing to occur. To avoid allergens, some patients have to stay indoors and lose time from school or work. Yet taking shelter is not always the answer, as some allergens reside indoors and avoidance is not practical for those who perform daily activities outdoors. Pet hair or dander, dust mites and molds are all common indoor allergens that can trigger symptoms for people all year round, making their conjunctivitis not simply seasonal, but perennial. Treatment includes cold compresses to reduce swelling and itching, topical antihistamines and in moderate to severe cases, steroid drops. Over the counter allergy drops are helpful but not as efficacious as prescription allergy drops. Oral antihistamines are helpful but again not as good as direct treatment to the eyes with ophthalmic drops. Fortunately there are several topical drops available that work very well on a simple dose of once or twice daily. For those people who have seasonal allergies "mast cell stabilizers" are available in drop form and are used 6-8 weeks prior to the season to avoid or decrease the potential to experience allergic conjunctivitis. It is important to see your eye doctor for treatment during these times to avoid the potential of permanent damage from chronic eye allergies or secondary infections. If you have questions concerning this topic please contact our offices in Stillwater at 405-372-1715 or Pawnee at 918-762-2573. We also invite you to visit our website at www.cockrelleyecare.com . |
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