40%-80% of allergy sufferers have symptoms involving the eye. In some instances, ocular symptoms are the only indication of allergies. However, only 10% of people who have ocular symptoms seek professional help. The majority of people either just suffer through the symptoms or try oral allergy medications. Randomized clinical trials, however, show that prescription topical medications are superior in relieving symptoms and preventing chronic inflammation due to ocular allergies. In addition, oral medications can adversely affect the eye’s surface thereby making symptoms even worse.
For more information, contact Dr. Edward Fong and the Sugar Land, TX eye doctors and optometrists and Bright Eye Care & Vision Development.
References:
Singh K, Axelrod S, Bielory L. The epidemiology of ocular and nasal allergy in the United States, 1988-1994. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126:778-783. Abstract
Kubaisi B, Samra KA, Syeda S, Schmidt A, Foster CS. Ocular allergy: an updated review. J Allergy Immunol. 2017;1:002.
Kay AB. Allergy and allergic diseases. First of two parts. N Engl J Med. 2001;344:30-37. Abstract
Ono SJ, Abelson MB. Allergic conjunctivitis update on pathophysiology and prospects for future treatment. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005;115:118-122. Abstract
Abelson MB, Welch DL. An evaluation of onset and duration of action of patanol (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%) compared to Claritin (loratadine 10 mg) tablets in acute allergic conjunctivitis in the conjunctival allergen challenge model. Acta Ophthalmol Scand Suppl. 2000;(230):60-63.
Crampton HJ. Comparison of ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution alone, desloratadine alone, and their combination for inhibition of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in the conjunctival allergen challenge model: a double-masked, placebo- and active-controlled trial. Clin Ther. 2003;25:1975-1987. Abstract
Ousler GW 3rd, Workman DA, Torkildsen GL. An open-label, investigator-masked, crossover study of the ocular drying effects of two antihistamines, topical epinastine and systemic loratadine, in adult volunteers with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Clin Ther. 2007;29:611-616. Abstract
Kari O, Saari KM. Diagnostics and new developments in the treatment of ocular allergies. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2012;12:232-239. Abstract
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gateway to health communication & social marketing practice. Allergies. Updated September 15, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/ToolsTemplates/EntertainmentEd/Tips/Allergies.html Accessed November 14, 2017.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Allergic rhinitis. http://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis Accessed November 20, 2017.
Friedlaender MH. Conjunctivitis of allergic origin: clinical presentation and differential diagnosis. Surv Ophthalmol. 1993;38(Suppl):105-114. Abstract
Pitt AD, Smith AF, Lindsell L, Voon LW, Rose PW, Bron AJ. Economic and quality-of-life impact of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in Oxfordshire. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2004;11:17-33. Abstract
Medical Disclaimer. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.
Bright Eye Care & Vision Development 