Eye, Eye, Here's the Rub
Posted on: Sunday, 14 September 2003, 06:00 CDT
HealthDayNews -- Ah, fall. The season of golden leaves, cooler nights and itchy eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis is the most prevalent allergy affecting the eyes. And seasonal allergic conjunctivitis -- better known as hay fever conjunctivitis -- is the more common type, accounting for the majority of cases.
As its name suggests, the condition is related to certain pollens in the air during specific seasons. People affected by hay fever and other seasonal allergies typically experience symptoms involving the nose and throat as well.
Although seasonal allergic conjunctivitis generally occurs in the spring and late summer months, fall is another time when it plagues its victims.
Joan Nasr, a registered nurse with the California Allergy and Asthma Institute in Los Angeles, says symptoms include red and watering eyes. However, itching is the condition's most dominant symptom, and it can be quite severe.
She doesn't recommend doing what comes naturally.
"The worst thing a person with allergic conjunctivitis can do is scratch," Nasr says. "It's hard not to rub or scratch when there's so much itching. But doing so can lead to an eye infection on top of the allergy, invariably complicating treatment."
Effective relief from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis comes in many forms, she says.
"Allergy shots, which involve a gradual desensitization process, can be helpful for some people in reducing symptoms and lessening the need for medications," Nasr says. "There are also many topical and oral medications now available by prescription or over-the-counter. For particularly serious cases of conjunctivitis, prescription medications are usually the treatment of choice."
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On the Net:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
California Allergy and Asthma Institute
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