Dr Michael Lange on Ocular Allergies

Dr Michael Lange on seasonal allergies and the eye.

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever can occur when your immune system overreacts to outdoor antigens and allergens, such as pollen from grasses, trees ,weeds and other plant sources. An allergic reaction can occur when an allergen comes into contact with mast cells in the eye that release histamine and other chemicals that cause the eye to become red, inflamed and itch. Dr Michael Lange of the Lange Eye Institute in The Village Florida says Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common forms of red eye he sees at the Lange Eye Institute. 

Seasonal allergies are less common during the winter, but it’s possible to experience them year-round, as different plants emit their pollens at different times of the year.  

If you’re seeking eye allergy treatment in The Villages, FL, contact Dr. Michael Lange at Lange Eye Institute today. 

What are the symptoms of seasonal eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis ? 

In response to allergens, you may notice the following symptoms in your eyes: 

• Itching
• Redness
• Burning
• Clear, watery discharge 
• swelling

While most people experience mild to moderate versions of the above symptoms, inflammation can be severe enough to temporarily blur vision and even cause some pain in some people. Additionally, eye symptoms typically co-occur with other symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing. 

The importance of visiting a doctor optometry or optometric physician 

While the symptoms of eye allergies can be uncomfortable and bothersome, they are not life-threatening, vision threatening or contagious. The symptoms of seasonal eye allergies can, however, mimic the symptoms of other more serious eye conditions that can pose a threat to your eye health. That’s why it’s important to see an eye doctor who can evaluate your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis the first time.

https://langeeyecare.com/contact-us/If you’re experiencing watery, itchy eyes, contact Dr. Michael Lange at Lange Eye Institute for an evaluation. 

How can you educe eye allergies during the summer and fall

Prevention is the best treatment. While you might not be able to eliminate eye allergies completely, there are several things you can do to reduce the effects of pollen. 

• Reduce exposure: Try to stay inside as much as possible on pollen-heavy days. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and Pollen.com offer interactive maps that let you check out current pollen levels in your area. 

• Wear sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses while outdoors will help keep pollen particles out of your eyes, especially on windy days. 
• Keep your windows closed: On pollen-heavy days, keep your windows shut to reduce the number of pollen particles entering your house. 
• Wash your face and eyelids daily: Pollen tends to stick to your eyelashes, creating irritation. To prevent this, use a mild face soap to wash your face and eye area in the morning and right before bed. Use a good lid hygiene cleaner before bed like Optase TeaTree Oil Cleansing gel or Oasis Tears Hypochlorous eyelid cleansing spray.
• Use a good preservative free artificial tear like Optase of Oasis Tears Plus that has a natural anti inflammatory called Hyaluranic acid in them.
• Cold Compress 2 to 3 times a day for five minutes.
• Dietary Omega 3 fish oil has been shown to be beneficial in studies at alleviating both early and late stage allergic conjunctivitis by reducing inflammatory markers. Take a good triglyceride form omega 3 fish oil like Fortifeye Super Omega or Fortifeye Super Omega max. Dr Michael Lange states that his patient on omega 3 fish oil have less ocular allergies and less dry eye symptoms. He recommends taking 1600 mg of tg form omega3 if weight is under 180 lbs and 2400 mg of tg form omega 3 fish oil if over 180 lbs. He states always a good idea to consult with patients own eye doctor.
• to learn more and purchase anything discussed in this article you can go to www.fortifeye.com

How are seasonal eye allergies treated? 

If your symptoms are still bothersome after applying the above tips, you can try using over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, or a combination of the two. Non-prescription treatments include artificial tears, decongestan/ antihistamine eye drops, and oral antihistamines. If those don’t help get relief, your eye doctor may prescribe a short course of corticosteroid eye drops or topical antihistamine/ mast cell stabilizer drops. 

To be evaluated for eye allergies or to learn more about how to resolve your symptoms, contact Dr. Michael Lange at Lange Eye Institute today