Unfortunately for some, this is the time of the year for some of us who are sensitive to the outbreak of spring to prepare for allergy season. While some people may be allergic to specific “allergens” like nuts or fish, there is a different allergy that affects far more people than all other allergies. Seasonal allergies affect millions of people across the country, but how do you prepare for eye allergies? Allergic conjunctivitis can be very disturbing to those who are forced to endure it. It may look terrible to the observer, but it is not contagious. Some of the most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are itchy eyes, watery eyes, redness, eye and eyelid swelling and blurry vision. Symptoms can be quite intense for some or just a mild annoyance to others, but in either case it can be harmful, resulting in injury or infection.
Children who experience allergic conjunctivitis may be observed rubbing their eyes excessively, and in some cases severely, so that is something every parent needs to look out for. Sometimes the eyelids can also become swollen and puffy. Redness and watery eyes in children is a sign of allergy or infection, even if they don’t complain. Excessive eye rubbing is not only a sign of allergy, it is also associated with scratched corneas, eye infections and even keratoconus, a disease affecting the integrity of the cornea.
Contact lens wearers have often experienced itching. Sometimes it is from using a solution to which they are sensitive, but during the spring season, soft-lens wearers may become especially sensitive to airborne allergens that fall into the eye. Because some of these allergic particles can find their way between the eye and the contact lens, they have the opportunity to more directly trigger an allergic reaction in the eye.
Most adults who have seasonal allergies know that there are going to be spring days when the pollen count is high and the itch factor is even higher. They either grin and bear it, or rub their eyes into the back of their heads because very often their allergy medications help their sinuses, but don’t relieve their itchy eyes. Additional help is often needed. So what should a person do?
Many people see their allergists for seasonal allergy symptoms, but in severe cases a trip to your optometrist or ophthalmologist is the best way to get relief. Both these professionals prescribe medications that can treat allergic conjunctivitis and give relief to troublesome signs and symptoms. However, most cases are not so severe, although they are equally troublesome. For those who have annoying symptoms, a number of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are now available that just a few years ago were by prescription only.
One class of OTC allergy eye drops includes Visine-A and Naphcon-A. Both these drops act as decongestants; they do not address the cause of the allergy, but merely act to relieve the signs and provide some symptomatic relief for allergic conjunctivitis. They also contain preservatives. Typically they are taken three times a day. One of my favorite non-prescription remedies is Similasan Allergy Relief, available in adults and kids formulas. This homeopathic anti-allergy formula is not only effective in relieving symptoms, it comes in a preservative-free preparation, which is good because some people are sensitive to the preservatives in certain eye drops.
Perhaps the most effective OTC drops available are Zatidor and Alaway; they contain the same ingredients. They are antihistamine drops, which stabilizes the cause of allergic conjunctivitis, and also provides symptomatic relief by interfering with the allergic mechanism in play. They were available by prescription only until just a few years ago. They are even safe for small children to take. The twice-a-day formula relieves itchiness for most of the day, but it does contain a preservative.
Which drop you choose may depend on the severity of your symptoms. All are effective in different ways. It is best to remember that you should never to rub itchy eyes because it releases more histamine and makes the eyes itchier; cool compresses work as a first aid in relieving itch. When in doubt about your particular condition, consult your eye doctor for advice on which therapy may be best for you.
By Dr. Steven D. Starkman, Czin Opticians
Dr. Steven D. Starkman, OD, specializes in the treatment and management of eye diseases and disorders. He practices in Teaneck and Cliffside Park, and is the owner of Czin Opticians. He is available for examinations and consultations weekdays and Sundays.
