Seasonal Ocular Allergies

Allergies affect about 20% of the world's population. Allergies can affect the eye in about one third of this group. The most common symptom of this disease is itching accompanied by redness and watering of the eyes.

Seasonal ocular allergies are due to a response on the surface of the eye to an antigen (pollen, dust). A series of events that is chemically triggered causes the release of histamines. Histamine is the chemical responsible for the symptoms that patients experience with seasonal ocular allergies.

Therapy for allergic conjunctivitis has evolved a great deal in the past several years. Initially, patients were treated with decongestants, vasoconstrictors, or antihistamines, or a combination of products. In severe cases topical steroids have been used to decrease the inflammation on the eye.

A new agent known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the synthesis of chemicals known as prostaglandin's. These medications are not steroids, but are an alternative and when administered by mouth can help relieve pain and inflammation in the joints. Ibuprofen is a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. These drugs are now available in drops and are used in combination with, or in place of, steroids to treat and relieve ocular itching due to seasonal allergies.