Category: Allergies

Eye Allergies

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Spring is in the Air
And so is the pollen

75% of allergy symptoms involve the eye. These symptoms include itching, watering and redness. In moderate to severe cases, contact lenses can not be tolerated.

Oral allergy medications can help, but not as quickly or effectively as an allergy eye drop. There are several allergy drops available, some prescription and some over-the-counter. Some of the drops contain antihistamines, decongestants and/or mast cell stabilizers. Antihistamines provide immediate relieve of itching, the mast cell stabilizers provide long-lasting relief. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels to minimize redness, but offer no reduction in the allergic reaction. None of these drops can be used while wearing contact lenses. I will be happy to assist you in selecting the best pharmaceutical solution to your ocular allergies.

Below are some suggestions to minimize the symptoms of ocular allergies and related discomfort.

Recommendations to Reduce Allergic Reactions
 Avoid exposure to allergens
 Rinse eyes with sterile saline solution.
 Cold compresses – place a couple of ice cubes in a clean washcloth
 Maintain contact lens integrity by replacing and cleaning the lenses as prescribed
 Reduce irritation with proper eyelid and eyelash hygiene
 Control ocular dryness with artificial tear drops, proper hydration and supplements
 Begin allergy drops at the first signs of a reaction
 Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield the eyes

Dry Eye Syndrome

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dry-eye-syndromeDry Eye Syndrome
Red, gritty and scratchy eyes can have a number of causes and possible treatments. In addition to discomfort and fluctuating vision, dry eyes can lead to styes and infection. Regular eye examinations can prevent complications and provide the opportunity for you to get help with treatment.

If you have dry eyes, you may notice that the discomfort worsens as the day progresses. Air conditioning, smoke, drafts, and cold temperatures become difficult to tolerate. It may feel like there’s a foreign body in your eye, or your eyes may have a sandy feeling. In spite of the fact that you are suffering from “dry” eyes, you may find that your eyes are watering reflexively and that strands of mucous are accumulating.

What’s Going On? Normal tear film consists of three layers: mucin, aqueous, and lipid. Abnormalities in production, content, or distribution of these three layers or in eyelid function will cause the various conditions commonly known as dry eye.

  • Lipid Problems: These are the most common cause of dry eye. Glands in the eyelid produce lipids. Greasy lotions, incomplete removal of makeup, or skin conditions like dandruff can plug the glands and prevent lipids from secreting.
  • Aqueous Deficiency: This can be a side effect of certain medications you’re taking. The culprits include antihistamines, diuretics, hormones, and psychotropics.
  • Mucin Deficiency: Chronic infection or trauma to the eye can cause a lack of mucin. Autoimmune diseases negatively effect the mucin layer too.
  • Eyelid Problems: The eyelid may turn in or out as a result of the aging process or of scarring. Tears then spill over the eyelid, allowing the eye to become dry. Depending on the severity of the situation, this problem can be treated with plastic surgery.

Also, dry eye can be aggravated by inflammation of the eyelid margin. In this case, the lid, where the eyelashes attach, will be red and irregular.

No one treatment for dry eye has proven completely successful. A combination of the following may improve comfort: good eyelid hygiene, the use of artificial tears and lubricating ointments, newer agents designed to heal tissue such as Cyclosporine, supplements and punctal occlusion (the insertion of a silicone plug into the tiny opening that drains the tears). Examining controllable factors such as medications, topical creams and lotions, and environment enhances treatment success.

Allergies

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Biomicroscopy

Your eyes can develop allergic reactions just like your body does. You may experience symptoms such as itching, burning and watering eyes. Here is a look at some of the most common ocular allergies and their symptoms.

Your Eyes and Allergies

Hay Fever or Dust Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent mucous membrane draped over the eye. Conjunctivitis is commonly called “pink eye.” Plant pollen, house dust and animal dander may trigger a reaction in sensitive eyes and people. The reaction usually starts a short time after your exposure, and may include tearing, itching and swelling. Your symptoms may be worse at the end of the day.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Contact lens wearers know this allergy more commonly as GPC. Among the things that may cause GPC are improper cleaning of contact lenses, infrequent contact lens replacement, and wearing contact lenses for too many hours. You have a greater risk of this allergy if you have asthma, hay fever or animal allergies. GPC may occur months or even years after you begin contact lens wear. GPC’s symptoms are itchy eyes after removing your lenses, mucus discharge in the morning, sensitivity to light and uncomfortable lenses. Your vision may blur due to deposits on the lenses or lens movement caused by tiny allergic bumps (papilla) on the inside of your upper eyelid.

Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when you come into contact with something that irritates your skin. Your eyelids and conjunctiva are very sensitive. Signs of this reaction include swelling, redness, scaly skin and blistering. Symptoms are itching and pain. The reaction usually develops about 12 to 72 hours after you are exposed.

Recommendations to Reduce Allergic Reactions

  • Avoid exposure to allergen
  • Rinse eyes with sterile saline solution
  • Cold compresses – a couple of ice cubes in a clean washcloth
  • Maintain contact lens integrity by replacing and cleaning the lenses as prescribe
  • Reduce irritation with proper eyelid and eyelash hygiene
  • Control ocular dryness with artificial tear drops, proper hydration and supplement
  • Begin prescription allergy drops at the first signs of a reaction

 Dr. Griffith can help you manage your ocular allergies.