Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #3

Helping Eyes through Allergies

Do you have watery, red, itchy eyes that are sometimes swollen, sore or stinging? If this sounds like a description of you, chances are that you have allergic conjunctivitis, one of the most common forms of eye disease in the world.

Symptoms

People suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, or ‘Allergy Eyes’ will often:

• Have itching in both eyes, with stringy, ropy discharge

• Have a personal or family history of other allergic disorders such as asthma, hayfever, or eczema

• Notice a cyclical nature to their symptoms

Types

Allergic conjunctivitis can be:

• Perennial: occurring all year round in response to household allergens such as dust, mould, or animal hair

• Seasonal: occurring during spring or early summer in response to pollens

Treatment

1. Avoid allergens

• Vacuum regularly

• Avoid outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn

• Keep pets outside

2. Soothe irritated eyes

• Wash them in saline

• Apply a cold compress

3. Use Medication

• You can use antihistamines, decongestants, or anti-inflammatory agents

• Ask your doctor of pharmacist to recommend appropriate eye drops

Although allergic conjunctivitis does not usually have any long-term impact on sight, it is helpful to receive treatment so do not hesitate to ask your optometrist for advice.

Navigating the Visual Field Test

Visual Field Tests allow optometrists to test patient’s overall vision and check if they have eye diseases such as glaucoma. Optometrists use a machine to test a patient’s visual field.

Visual Field: The total area a person can see when looking straight ahead, including side (or peripheral) vision.

Procedure

1. Patient looks at the central target while lights are presented in different parts of their side vision.

2. By pressing a button patients indicate when a light is seen.

3. The computer collects patients’ responses and creates a graphical plot of their visual field.

4. Visual fields tests are particularly important for those with family histories of glaucoma, diabetes, or those who have brain injuries.

How to use Eye Drops

Although eye drops are often used to treat eyes, they can be difficult to use correctly. Here are some tips on how to use them.

1. Turn your head towards the ceiling by standing or sitting and tilting head backwards

2. Gently pull the skin of the lower eyelid with index finger to create a ‘pocket’ for the drop

3. Look up and release eye drops into the eye pocket ensuring that the bottle does not touch any part of the eye

4. Close your eye and gently press on the lower inside corner of the eye for about two minutes to ensure the drops do not go into your tear duct (use thumb and index finger for both eyes at once)

5. Gently blot closed eyes with a tissue to wipe away any excess drops