April Newsletter 2016

It’s officially Spring. I’ve been enjoying the weather and beautiful Sonoma County countryside. Unfortunately, wildflowers and spring breezes intensify allergies for many people. I’ve included some information about ocular allergies below and some home treatments. If itchy, watery eyes are overwhelming you, call the office and together we’ll find a treatment to make you more comfortable.

Karen Griffith

(707)762-8643 drgriffith@westsideoptometry.net Westside Optometry

Most of the time itchy eyes are caused by some type of allergy – such as pollen, dust and animal dander. Eye allergies can be seasonal (spring or fall) or they can be perennial (all year long).

Symptoms of itchy eyes can sometimes be alleviated with over-the-counter artificial tears or allergy drops. But in many cases, prescription eye drops or oral medications may be needed to provide relief. Applying a clean cold pack over your closed eyes may help alleviate the discomfort of itchy eyes.

The most effective itchy eye treatments are those that directly address the cause. For example, if your symptoms are associated with a dry eye condition, an allergy drop will not be effective. Treatment for itchy eyes may include an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory medication and/or special eyelid cleansing products.

New research indicates that leafy greens may be healthier than we thought. Eating vegetables like kale, spinach and collard greens may not cure glaucoma but they may be protective against developing primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The research revealed that people who ate a lot of leafy greens had a 40 to 50 percent lower risk of developing POAG.

A significant amount of other new research is currently aimed at developing therapeutics that treat glaucoma by way of nitric oxide. In fact, the FDA is reviewing at least one new medication that is based on nitric oxide. But thanks to this latest study, far fewer people will need it if they load up on their leafy green vegetables before any glaucomatous damage is done.