It’s Hayfever Time Again
Ole Pink Eyes Are Back
I’m a bit unusual, I’m told – I love winter! The clear frosty mornings, clean fresh air, beautiful snow-covered countryside. Well, all good things come to an end and, for me, it has been a great winter so I’m happy. The warmer weather and the blossom on the trees signify when (normal people) cheer up a bit with spring underway. However, every year, at around this time I see a steady stream of clients whose eyes are driving them nuts! It’s hayfever eyes season again.
First tree, then grass and plant pollens are released into the air. They are completely harmless but an unlucky 20% of us experience a reaction designed to protect the body from attack by harmful things like viruses or bacteria. Unfortunately, sometimes the body gets it a bit wrong!
This can affect the eyes alone or the symptoms can be more widespread. If just the eyes are affected, then first we must ensure it is an ocular allergy and not another cause. The key symptoms are both eyes itching and watering; the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye) may be swollen and it will be pink to some degree. The eyelids may be slightly puffy, too.
What Else Could It Be?
Conjunctivitis gives a foreign body sensation like you’ve got something in your eye along with a sticky discharge; the eye will appear redder, and the lids may be stuck together on waking. A corneal ulcer is very painful. Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) has inflamed lid margins and dandruff type deposits on the lashes. There are other conditions that I need to rule out, but I need the expensive toys that I have littered around the practice to look for them.
Avoid!
If I am satisfied that the problem is an ocular allergy, then my advice depends on the severity of the symptoms. First of all, try to avoid exposure to the airborne pollen by staying indoors if possible; wearing close fitting “wrap-around” type sunglasses; fit pollen filters in your car and use the recycle air feature of the car’s aircon. Do not rub the eyes – this encourages the inflammatory cells to break down and increase the irritation.
What Drops?
There are several types of eye drops available without prescription from a chemist. The most common one is called a mast cell stabiliser. Opticrom is a widely used brand but there are others. These work by stopping inflammatory cells from reacting to the pollen. Unfortunately, it takes around a fortnight to build up its action, so you need to start taking it before the hayfever season starts and keep taking it throughout the season.
If it’s a bit too late for that and your eyes are streaming already then the only over the counter drops which will help are Otrivine Antistin. These combine an antihistamine with a vasoconstrictor so they reduce the swelling and block the inflammatory chemicals. They work very quickly BUT can only be used for seven days. Only the mast cell stabilisers can be used throughout the season.
Conclusion
Hayfever can be a real nightmare at this time of the year but, with a little forward planning, we can avoid the worst effects. We know when the pollens are going to fly so make a note on the calendar to start with the Opticrom two weeks before and you’ve got a head start. Further, take any action you can to avoid exposure and you should be set to enjoy the spring.
That’s enough from me, I’m off to clean my skis and look forward to next December!
Here’s a link to some great advice about eye allergies that you might be interested in.
At Bellamy Eyecare’s opticians Leicester and Irthlingborough practices we love to help people. If you need any advice about Eye tests, eye health, orthokeratology, designer glasses or anything else then please do get in touch.