SFW health
Allergic Conjunctivitis Air Tight Goggles or Eye Allergy Treatment? By Jody Gust
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tuffiness and sneezing may be the hallmark symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but your eyes are equally vulnerable on the front line of the battle against allergens and pollens. Second only to the nose when it comes to miserable allergy symptoms, Daniel Todd, M.D. FACS, Midwest, Ear Nose & Throat, notes, “Twenty percent of the U.S. population suffers from allergies, and more than half of them struggle with eye symptoms.” Fully exposed, “The eye is literally sitting out in the breeze when the pollens and other allergens are blowing by,” Dr. Todd says. “Eye allergies mainly involve the conjunctiva, which is the tissue lining that covers the white surface of the eyeball and the inner folds of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is a barrier structure that is exposed to the environment and the many different allergens that are airborne.” Additionally, “Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva that is caused by a reaction to allergens,” Dr. Todd says. “The inflammation causes enlargement of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva resulting in a 86
SIOUX FALLS WOMAN • august/september 2011
red or bloodshot appearance of the eyes.” Grass, tree and weed pollens, pet hair or dander, dust mites or molds, “Allergens that may be present indoors or outdoors can cause eye allergies,” Dr. Todd says.
“Unfortunately it is impossible to avoid most airborne allergens.” ~ Daniel Todd, M.D. FACS, Midwest, Ear Nose & Throat “People who are sensitive to these allergens suffer from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye allergy.” Noting that indoor allergens can be an issue for some people throughout the year and can result in perennial allergic conjunctivitis, “Cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust may inflame your eyes,” he adds. “They can act as irritants that cause non-allergic symptoms, or they can make your allergic response worse.” While eye allergies can be disruptive, annoying and uncomfortable, “They rarely cause any permanent damage,” Dr. Todd says. “However, there are rare conditions that are associated with