Spring: For many people it is the season of itchy weepy allergy eyes!

Eye allergy is a very common problem that is estimated to effect up to 40% of the population in varying degrees. It can be seasonal, precipitated by exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen and rye grass with airborne concentrations rising in the spring. It can also be chronic, occurring all year round due to exposure to dust mites, animal dander and mould spores.

In recent years the prevalence of allergic eye problems seems to have increased, the reasons for this are unknown. It maybe related to air conditioning and dry eye problems made worse by increased computer use.

It is characterised by eye redness, irritation, and almost always the sensation of itchiness. Vision is usually not affected. Sometimes it is associated with other atopic conditions such as hay-fever, eczema and asthma. Some people get a stringy white mucus discharge from the eye.

Treatment:

Treatment for eye allergies depends on the severity of the symptoms. Very mild cases can be helped by simple artificial tears such as Bion Tears and Aquify. A cold compress using a face cloth may also be useful in mild cases.

Moderate cases may require anti-histamine or mast cell stabiliser eye drops such as Lomide, Zaditan and Patanol (these are available from any pharmacy, though a prescription is required for Patanol). You need to careful using drops that contain eye whitening agents such as ClearEyes as these can have side effects if used excessively.

Very severe cases may require referral to an eye specialist for stronger prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops.

If you think you may be suffering from eye allergy then please contact us, we are happy to offer advice, treatment or referral if required.