Thank you for consulting EyeCareUSA.

 

We hope that we can answer your questions to help you in the care of your eyes.  This page is not intended to substitute for visits to your eye care specialist, but merely serves as a complementary service.  If you have any unanswered questions after reading this material, please call your ophthalmologist.

 

 

ALLERGIC EYE CONDITIONS: Allergic eye diseases are very common, especially in younger people. These allergies tend to have a seasonal nature, with the worst episodes occurring during springtime and fall when there are a lot of allergens such as pollen in the air.  The patient with severe eye allergies may also suffer from asthma, eczema, hay fever or other allergic diseases.  A second group of patients develop acute allergic reactions against certain chemicals such as preservatives in their eyedrops, or to certain skin-care products.  And a third group include contact-lens wearers who develop allergic responses against the protein-deposits under their contact-lenses.   We will discuss the typical symptoms of allergic eye disease, some aggravating factors, and the newest treatments available.   The typical clinical presentation of chronic allergic conjunctivitis is a history of very itchy eyes (which is almost diagnostic of this condition), chronic redness and irritable eyes, with a gritty or scratchy sensation.  The patient usually complains of a white, ropey, mucous discharge that may collect in the corners of the eyes, or result in crusting on the eyelids, or eyelashes sticking together upon awakening in the morning.  The visual acuity is usually unaffected, although the eyes may be sensitive to light.  Patients who develop allergies due to their contact-lenses, will find that the contact lenses may shift continuously or get stuck under their upper eyelids from time to time, and their eyes may seem dry.   Aggravating or predisposing factors include smoking, lengthy exposure to sunlight, contact with irritating chemicals such as chlorine in swimming-pool water, certain preservatives or medications in over-the-counter eyedrops, and studying or reading for extended time-periods.  As mentioned already, the wearing of contact-lenses can cause or aggravate allergic eye reactions.   The exact causative allergens are difficult to identify, and commonly include things like pollen, animal-hair or dust and dust-mites, and certain ingredients of topically applied medications.   Treatment of allergic eye conditions are often only partially successful, due to the difficulty eradicating or avoiding the causative agents. You should realize that treatment probably will stretch over many months, and that you will have to be patient. Don't expect complete recovery overnight!   The following aspects of treatment are important:  1: If you can identify the offending allergen, you must try to avoid it as  fast as possible.  2: You must minimize your exposure to aggravating factors such as smoking, chemicals (if you can identify the ones to which you are sensitive), mascara or low-humidity air-conditioning.  3: There are currently quite a few very effective eyedrops available, including vasoconstrictors (to shrink the inflamed conjunctival blood-vessels), anti-histamines, low dose topically applied steroids (such as cortisone), non-steroidal anti-inflamatories ("NSAIDS"), and drops that stabilize the cells responsible for the allergic reaction (such as olopatadine hydrochloride).   To summarize we want to stress the importance of consulting your ophthalmologist as soon as you become aware of the symptoms mentioned above, to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment.

  If you have any further questions regarding allergy and your eyes, please consult your eye specialist.