Spring into Action

About one quarter of the US population suffers from allergies, and the eyes are affected in over half of these people.  Though not typically sight-threatening, the symptoms can interfere with quality of life. Allergies can make contact lens wear or make-up use difficult. If you experience itchy, swollen, red, or uncomfortable eyes let your eye care provider know.  You could be needlessly suffering from ocular allergies.  Many easy treatment options are available to keep your eyes comfortable while you enjoy the spring! 

Rebecca Mueller, OD

"Review of Optometry, 4/12"

Common Causes and Treatment for Dark Circle

Some common reasons why dark circles appear under the eye are the following:

•    The skin under the eye is very thin and as we age it becomes thinner
    causing the blood vessels below the skin to be more apparent.
•    Genetics-Dark circles under the eyes can be inherited. They are more
    noticeable in people with deep set eyes or fair skin.
•    Allergies- Dark circles can be seen in people who are allergic
    to pollen, dust, pet dander, etc.  This occurs because people
    often rub their itchy eyes.  This is also known as allergic shiners.
•    Lack of sleep and high levels of stress.

Ways to improve or decrease dark circles:

•    Get plenty of rest.
•    Drink lots of water.
•    Use cool compresses on the eyes.
•    Treat your allergic eyes with allergy drops.
•    Decrease salt intake.
•    Wear sun block with at least an SPF of 30 around the eyes.  

Jennine Lutz, O.D.

One in five adults suffers from eye allergies, ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis.  These red, itchy, watery, puffy eyes are annoying, but not sight threatening.

Tips

Stay indoors when pollen counts are at their highest.  Close windows and run the air conditioner.

When outdoors, wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to shield eyes from air and pollen.

Driving?  Close windows and run the air conditioner.  Try not to rub itchy eyes.  This can make symptoms worse.  Try cold compresses instead.

If avoiding allergy triggers isn't enough, prescription and non-prescription eye drops can help.  Artificial tears and lubricants will help to soothe and flush eyes of irritants.  Antihistamine eye drops or orals antihistamines provide much relief.

Try refrigerating eye drops for extra cooling relief.
 
Rebecca Mueller, O.D.

With spring approaching also come allergies. Those who suffer from allergies often get very red, itchy eyes during the spring and fall months. I have noticed that many people use Visine religiously during these times, however, their symptoms are not fully controlled.

Visine and many other over the counter eye drops contain topical decongestants (Naphazoline) to constrict the blood vessels in the conjunctiva and reducing the appearance of red eyes.  However, long term use of these topical decongestants leads to tolerance which results in an increase in redness and irritation as well as a dependence on the eye drop for relief.  In order to get relief from these allergic symptoms, it is important to use drops that target the allergic cascade.  A favorite over the counter allergy eye drop is Zaditor.  If the non-prescription drops do not help relieve all of your symptoms, then talk to your eye doctor about a prescription strength allergy eye drop.

Hetal Diwan, O.D.