How Allergy Season Affects Your Family's Vision

California's Recent Rainfall Increases Allergy Woes for Millions
By: Phyllis Klein and Associates
 
March 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Sacramento, CA (March 2011) – Spring means sunshine, flowers, outdoor play dates and, for many adults and children, itchy, red eyes. Doctors throughout the state report increases in the number of allergy patients seeking relief this year.  They cite higher pollen levels from the heavy and consistent rainfall California has endured in recent weeks.
But how does a parent know if symptoms can be chocked up to a seasonal allergy or if they could be indicating a more serious condition?  “Parents should be cautious and refrain from self-diagnosis and treatment, says Dr. Harue Marsden, president of the California Optometric Association, because it can potentially worsen the condition as allergies and bacterial or viral infections in the eyes can exhibit the same symptoms.”
According to the California Optometric Association, 20 percent of adults and children suffer from allergies, the sixth leading cause of chronic disease. Those who experience red, itchy, watery eyes usually go for the quick fix over-the-counter drops and antihistamines that promise immediate, but temporary, relief. Many find these self-prescribed solutions to be short-lived and continue to rub their eyes throughout the day, adding to the redness, irritation and not to mention those icky germs that are being transferred in the process. Worse, children rubbing with dirty hands are 50 times more likely than adults to develop infections in their eyes and spread them onto their buddies.
Members of the California Optometric Association advise it’s more important than ever to have an optometrist assess your allergy symptoms and concerns to rule out serious, more threatening conditions.
“Patients know their eyes best, but increased amounts of swelling, redness and pain should prompt a visit to the optometrist,” says Dr. Marsden. Below are optometrist recommended ways to temporarily relieve discomfort until you see your eye doctor:
•   When itching begins, immediately place a cold compress over your eyes for a few minutes. If you don’t have a compress, wrap some ice cubes in a wash cloth. This is also a great option for children as it keeps them from rubbing their eyes and minimizes chemicals being put into eyes from other treatments.
•   Put a bottle of sterile saline solution, preservative-free contact lens solution or a commercial eye wash product in the fridge to chill and then use it to rinse out itchy eyes. This is particularly beneficial if your eyes have been exposed to dust and pollen.
•   Preservative-free over the counter eye drops are best as those with strong preservatives tend to sting the eye. Avoid drops that promise to “get the red out” as they don’t help allergy symptoms or offer treatment. Instead, they constrict blood vessels which can have significant side effects.
•   If symptoms persist, an optometrist will diagnose and prescribe medications to treat the condition. Prescription eye drops are more effective at reducing inflammation and itch. Some are gentle enough that they are approved for use in children as young as two years old.
•   When in doubt, make an appointment with an optometrist because your family’s vision is too important to jeopardize.

# # #

Phyllis Klein & Associates is an award-winning boutique public relations agency based in Beverly Hills. The agency focuses on beauty, health, lifestyle and wellness for women
End
Source:Phyllis Klein and Associates
Email:***@pkapr.com Email Verified
Zip:90211
Tags:California, Rain, Allergies, Spring
Industry:Family, Health, Medical
Location:Beverly Hills - California - United States
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
phyllis klein & associates PRs
Trending News
Most Viewed
Top Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share