A lot of people run to buy over the counter eye drops if they experience burning, itching and redness of the eyes during the allergy season. Unfortunately, store-bought drops only cover the symptoms up temporarily, rather than stopping it where it originates.
I didn’t know, by the way, that people could be allergic to dogs. Cats are a common allergy. What’s the difference?
Allergies to cats are caused by their saliva, but with dogs it is typically on the skin. If we suspect allergic conjunctivitis, we conduct a very safe and effective 20-minute test. Thanks to a special applicator, we learn what the patient is allergic to and how to avoid certain stimuli.
So say goodbye to Fido? Picasso once got rid of his dachshund, thinking he was just a burden.
Even if Fido or Max is causing an allergic reaction, it doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of your beloved pets, but knowing why it is occurring is key.
On a side note, about drops… One of your employees mentioned that things like Visine are not ideal, “to put it mildly.” I shuddered because I had bought some just the day before. This wasn’t because I read something good about them, but because they were the cheapest. Are the best drops the most expensive, or are there other considerations?
All drops that you buy in the store constrict conjunctival vessels, but they do not like to be in this compressed state. They love to expand. So it goes like this: the drops narrow those vessels and life is good. But within 4 hours, they expand even larger than before and the eyes are still red. You apply the drops again, and now the effect only lasts 3 hours, then 2, and then only 1.
So they work like narcotics, where you have to take more to get the same effect?
Yes. The end result is that people often come in with bloodshot eyes from constantly using name brand drops. This is called rebound. However, sometimes redness is caused by drug allergies or from rosacea, which is a skin disease with symptoms that include reddening of the skin and the formation of sores on the face. Bill Clinton, for example, suffers from rosacea. This is often accompanied by lesions in the eye. All of this can be sorted out and controlled if your ophthalmologist is experienced and has adequate facilities.
So would you advise not to buy drops at the store?
We are often approached by people to whom it is important to have cosmetically-appealing eyes. Someone might have an important meeting and needs to come across as an upbeat person, for example, but this is hard to do with bloodshot eyes. And again, we have to determine the cause. If it is blepharitis, it needs to be treated; it is the same with allergic conjunctivitis. Store-bought drops just cover it up, rather than stopping it where it originates.
Then does it matter if they cost $6 or $26?
If you buy shoes that aren’t your size, then it isn’t important if they’re real crocodile or faux leather. I usually recommend buying artificial tears, but we must remember that drops vary in quality, much like toothpaste or shampoo. Glaucoma drops may contain preservatives, for example, so if you use them 6-8 times a day, you are irritating your eyes each of those 6-8 times. More than 3-4 times a day will negate its benefits.
Manufacturers include this information on their labels, but only microbes can read it, or those who just got laser correction.
No one advertises the side effects. There are drops without preservatives sold in disposable pipettes, but they are very expensive. We have some prescription-only drops from Germany at our office that are watery, oily, and mucin, and of course have no preservatives. One pipette is enough for an entire day. Dry eyes can be treated in different ways, as well, with vitamins, compresses, and different types of “tears”, including tears that are made from the patient’s own biological material, as well as placental contact lenses loaded with stem cells. These really rejuvenate the eyes.
Placentas?!? That’s the topic of another conversation.
Let’s talk about it separately, then.
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Text and photos: Sebastian VaroTranslation: Richard Grenwelge
Constantly rubbing your eyes, forcing yourself to blink, depending on eye drops to achieve only temporary relief – it all prevents you from getting the most out of your life. Even if it feels like you've already tried everything, we are here to prove you still have options.
Allergy season brings a myriad of challenges, notably the impact on our eyes. As plants bloom and pollen pervades the air, the familiar discomfort of allergic conjunctivitis, akin to a non-infectious pink eye, emerges: itchy, watery eyes that drive us to seek relief. But what triggers these ocular allergies, and more importantly, how can we address them?
Are you suffering from dry, itchy eyes? Blephex treatment may be the solution you've been looking for.
Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. It causes sore, red eyelids and crusty debris at the base of the eyelashes due to clogged oil glands in the area. A chronic condition, it’s challenging to treat – but not impossible.
The reasons for itching, the pathophysiology of dry eyes, what causes conjunctivitis, and what an "allergic salute" is being covered in the question-and-answer part.
Struggling with allergies? Suspect you have a pink eye (allergic conjunctivitis)? Minimize your exposure to allergens by vacuuming and dusting. Also, it is a good idea to keep your doors and windows closed if it is an allergy season.
