An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from the miseries of allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes a common complaint.
For many, symptoms of eye allergies can be so uncomfortable
and irritating that they interfere with job performance, impede
leisure-time and sports activities, and curtail vacations.
To help allergy sufferers better understand and manage the condition,
the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the leading
patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, is offering
a free educational brochure titled "Eye Health and Allergies" (2 page pdf 460kb).
"Approximately four percent of allergy sufferers experience eye
allergies as their primary allergy, often caused by many of the same
triggers as indoor/outdoor allergies such as pollen, mold, or pet
dander," says Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs, AAFA. "This
brochure offers useful information on how eye allergies occur, common
signs and symptoms, and practical advice on how to treat and prevent
eye allergies."
The brochure, supported by 1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses,
also includes smart allergy season strategies for the nation's 40
million contact lens wearers, a group for whom eye allergies can use
unique problems.
"Allergy sufferers who wear contact lenses that you use for two weeks
or more may experience discomfort and symptoms such as ocular itching,
tearing, and redness, because allergens and other irritants can build
up on the lenses over time," explains New York-based Optometrist Susan
Resnick, O.D., F.A.A.O. "Chemical disinfectants and preservatives used
in some contact lens care systems also can cause ocular distress."
To help minimize these symptoms, contact lens wearers can limit their
wearing time during allergy season, but Dr. Resnick says there is no
need to discontinue contact lens wear during the allergy season.
"Studies have shown that single use contacts daily disposable lenses
that you throw away at the end of the day - can be a healthy and more
comfortable option for many people with eye allergies," she notes. "By
putting in a clean, fresh lens every day, one-day contacts minimize the
potential for accumulation of allergens and irritants that can often
accumulate with repeated use of the same pair of lenses."
In a three-year study1 comparing the clinical performance of daily
disposables with that of
conventional daily-wear lenses, single-use lens wearers reported fewer
symptoms of redness, cloudy vision, and grittiness; at the same time,
they reported better vision and overall satisfaction, and had fewer
lens surface deposits, complications, or unscheduled doctor's visits.
To help allergy sufferers who would like to start wearing or continue
wearing contact lenses, the brochure, along with a free trial-pair
certificate for 1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses, is also
available at http://www.acuvue.com/seasons.
"When worn on a daily disposable basis, 1 DAY ACUVUE MOIST® may provide
improved comfort for two out of three patients suffering from mild
discomfort associated with allergies during contact lens wear compared
with those wearing two-week lenses," says Dr. Resnick.
Notes:
1 DAY ACUVUE MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses are available by prescription
only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine
whether contact lenses are right for individual patients.
Although rare, serious eye problems can develop. To help avoid these problems, patients should follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens-care instructions provided by their eye doctor.
Individuals should not wear lenses if they have an eye infection or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness, or other eye problems.
If one of these conditions occurs, they should contact their
eye doctor immediately.
Professional exam and fitting fees not included. Valid only while supplies last.
Resources:
1 Solomon OD, Freeman MJ, et al. "A 3-year prospective study of the
clinical performance of daily disposable contact lenses compared with
frequent replacement and conventional daily wear contact lenses." CLAO
J, 1996; 22:250-7.