In spring, take care of your eyes

It is estimated that around 35% of the global population suffer from one or more allergic diseases. The most common, pollen allergy or pollinosis, affects 15% of the population and up to 30% of young people. Furthermore, the prevalence of allergic diseases is rising substantially throughout the world, both in the West and in developing countries.

Pollen is the cause of spring eye allergy. This allergy is also caused generally by allergens that are transmitted through the air, such as fungi, mites or pet hair or fur. The symptoms of these allergies are stinging or burning, watering, redness and inflammation of the eyelids and they tend to appear in both eyes.

Dr. Paula Verdaguer, the ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, refractive surgery and cataract at the Institut de la Màcula, recommends “visiting the ophthalmologist once the initial symptoms of the allergy have been detected”. She adds that these visits are “essential for administering the proper treatment and explaining how to prevent possible new episodes”.

Controlling the atmosphere, avoiding exposure to the offending allergen, is the most effective preventative measure, although in many cases this is not always possible. In addition, allergy tests may be performed to identify which allergen is responsible and to assess possible treatment with vaccines. When exposure has already occurred, it is important to wash the eyes well in order to clean the allergens from the surface of the eye.

For treatment of mild allergic conjunctivitis, topical anti-histamines are used and usually resolve the episode. In more severe cases of eye allergy, we add topical corticosteroids. These can have side effects on the eye and therefore their use and control needs to be prescribed by an ophthalmologist.