New Survey Shows 80 Percent of Allergy Sufferers Are Itching for Relief From Eye Symptoms

SOMERSET, N.J., April 25 /PRNewswire/ — The results of a new national survey show that eight out of 10 seasonal allergy sufferers in the U.S. have eye allergy symptoms, such as itchy, tearing, red or swollen eyes. However, fewer than half (40 percent) use an allergy medication directly targeting eye symptoms, such as an allergy eye drop, and 57 percent aren’t even aware of an allergy specifically affecting the eyes, known as allergic conjunctivitis.

“Too many people with seasonal allergies don’t realize that the eyes have their own allergic response to pollens, mold and dust,” said Charles B. Slonim, MD, FACS, Affiliate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida. “They often self-medicate with over-the-counter products intended for nasal allergies, leaving their eyes vulnerable. Now that spring has arrived, allergy sufferers should talk with their doctors about whether a prescription allergy eye medication may be right for them, so they can protect and treat their eyes specifically.”

Allergic conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “allergy eyes,” is an irritation of the eye caused by contact with, and sensitivity to, an allergen. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is caused by specific grass, tree or other pollens such as ragweed, and is at its worst in the spring and fall. A second condition is called perennial allergic conjunctivitis, which can occur throughout the year and is triggered by indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander and mold.

The Harris Interactive Survey of 2,026 adults found that:

* More than 50 percent of those surveyed have seasonal allergies

(51 percent)

* Approximately 80 percent of allergy sufferers have “allergy eye”

symptoms

* 63 percent complain about itchy eyes

* 50 percent of those with eye allergies believe their symptoms

negatively impact their health or appearance

* Approximately 40 percent say the condition affects their work

* Approximately 40 percent complain that eye allergies impact their

recreational activities

Interestingly, 45 percent of those surveyed are dissatisfied (somewhat or not at all satisfied) with the medication they are taking for their eye allergy symptoms.

“When the eye is exposed to an allergen, there are two phases to its allergic response,” said Dr. Slonim. “While immediate relief from itching is key, it’s important that a treatment also address the later stages of the allergic reaction, which may cause symptoms to linger or worsen.”

One option available by doctor’s prescription is OPTIVAR(R) (azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.05%), a sterile ophthalmic solution indicated for the treatment of itching of the eye associated with allergic conjunctivitis in patients as young as 3 years of age. OPTIVAR works in multiple ways to block the allergic process. In addition, clinical studies have shown that OPTIVAR provides both fast relief (within three minutes) from the itching that starts as soon as an allergen enters the eye, and long-lasting relief (eight to 10 hours), by inhibiting the inflammatory cells that prolong the allergic reaction.

In controlled, multidose studies, the most frequently reported adverse events were transient eye burning/stinging, headache and bitter taste. Discontinuation due to these adverse events was less than 1 percent. OPTIVAR is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Focus on Prevention

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers the following tips for keeping eye allergy symptoms at bay this spring:

* Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting

into your home

* Minimize early morning activity when pollen usually is emitted, between

5 and 10 a.m.

* Take a shower after spending time outside, since pollen collects on the

skin and hair

* Avoid hanging sheets or clothing out to dry, because airborne pollens

and molds may collect on them

* Keep car windows closed when traveling

* Use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dehumidifies the air

* Avoid freshly cut grass or mowing the lawn

* Take medications prescribed by your doctor regularly and at the

recommended dosage

Additionally, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends these preventative measures:

* Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes

* Wash your hands often with soap and water

* Wash bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce

allergens

* Avoid wearing eye makeup, and don’t share eye makeup

* Wear glasses instead of contact lenses during allergy season

MedPointe Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, specialty pharmaceutical company located at 265 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey, 08873-4120; 732-564-2200. MedPointe specializes in respiratory, allergy, central nervous system, cough-cold and pediatric products. The company maintains a manufacturing facility in Decatur, Illinois. For more information on MedPointe, visit http://www.medpointepharma.com/

For additional information and/or full Prescribing Information for OPTIVAR(R), visit http://www.optivar.com/ or call 1-800-598-4856.

Contact information: Sarah Morgan

MCS Public Relations

(800) 477-9626

sarahm@mcspr.com

MedPointe Pharmaceuticals

CONTACT: Sarah Morgan of MCS Public Relations, 1-800-477-9626,sarahm@mcspr.com, for MedPointe Pharmaceuticals

Web site: http://www.medpointepharma.com/http://www.optivar.com/