THE sun is starting to warm up after the cold winter, tree blossoms are beginning to sprout and footy finals is upon us.
For many of us with allergies, spring is when we start to experience sneezing, irritated throat and ears, and itchy and watery eyes.
We spoke with Swan Hill and Kerang Optical optometrist Angus Boyd-Law about allergic conjunctivitis in the eye.
“Like most allergic responses, ocular allergies occur when we encounter an irritant or foreign allergen that the body mounts an immune response against,” Angus said.
“Common allergens include seasonal pollens, animal hair, dust mites, grasses and tree blossoms.
“Once the body encounters the allergen, we produce a substance called histamine. The production of histamine then results in allergic symptoms.”
Angus said the most common symptoms of eye allergy were redness and itch.
This may also be accompanied by watery, sore or gritty eyes. Ocular allergy can affect anywhere from 8 to 10 per cent of the population, and is common in both adults and children.
“Whilst ocular allergy can cause conjunctivitis symptoms of redness and inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the eyeball and inside the eyelids, any form of red eye can potentially be a sign of viral, bacterial and parasitic infection, or other eye condition,” Angus said.
“Because of this, it is important to have these symptoms checked by an optometrist.
“At Swan Hill and Kerang Optical, we have vast experience in diagnosing and treating the many possible causes of red eyes, and also use the latest equipment and technology which helps us to monitor a wide variety of ocular conditions.”
Managing allergies generally started with identifying the allergen, Angus said.
“Once this is known, avoiding contact with these specific irritants can prevent symptoms from occurring,” he said.
“However, if the allergen can’t be avoided, or remains unknown, several remedies are available.
“At this time of the year, we see more presentations of perennial or seasonal hay fever from exposure to grass and tree pollens.
“In our region, such symptoms peak during the harvest of crops and cutting of hay from October through to December.
“When the allergen comes into contact with the eyes, the body automatically releases histamine, which leads to the symptoms of redness, watery discharge and itch.
“The pathway of histamine release in the eye, however, is slightly different to that in other parts of the body, and thus topical antihistamine drops are far more effective than traditional oral remedies.”
Angus said the use of mast cell stabilisers in the weeks leading up to and throughout spring would also assist in preventing and managing symptoms.
He said placing a facecloth soaked in cold water over closed eyelids and using lubricating drops can also provide temporary relief.
If you are concerned about ocular allergy, or are experiencing any other eye concerns, contact the team at Swan Hill and Kerang Optical or book online at www.swanhilloptical.com.au
