As spring unfolds with its blossoming beauty, enticing many to venture outdoors, a significant portion of individuals find themselves returning from nature walks with itchy, red eyes and other discomforts. Surprisingly, some experience these symptoms even while staying indoors as soon as spring arrives.
What triggers this seasonal discomfort? How can one mitigate its effects? According to Dr. Tao Hai, Chief Physician of the Ophthalmology Department at the People's Liberation Army General Hospital, "Many of these individuals are likely suffering from allergic conjunctivitis."
Dr. Tao explains that allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular condition characterized by its seasonal prevalence during spring and summer, with symptoms easing or disappearing in autumn and winter. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, dust, and animal dander are common triggers, with many patients particularly sensitive to plant pollen. Additionally, there is often a familial predisposition to allergic reactions.
"This condition is more prevalent among children and adolescents, affecting both eyes," says Dr. Tao. Patients typically exhibit irregular, pinkish elevations on the inner surface of the upper eyelids, resembling cobblestones. Key symptoms include itching, redness of the eyes, tearing, and mucoid discharge. "While some patients experience symptoms year-round, spring and summer are peak seasons, with symptoms diminishing in other seasons. Over time, symptoms may spontaneously alleviate or diminish, with recurrent episodes subsiding after several years."
Regarding treatment, Dr. Tao emphasizes the importance of identifying allergens to avoid exposure, in addition to pharmacotherapy, which typically yields satisfactory results. However, for some patients, pinpointing the allergen proves challenging, and medical intervention primarily focuses on symptom relief to alleviate discomfort, often with less than satisfactory outcomes.
Furthermore, Dr. Tao outlines the classification and representative drugs used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. These include antihistamine eye drops such as levocabastine hydrochloride, mast cell stabilizers like sodium cromoglicate and nedocromil sodium eye drops, dual-action medications such as olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac sodium eye drops, and corticosteroid eye drops like dexamethasone and prednisolone acetate.
"It's important to note that while corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisolone acetate eye drops can effectively control allergic symptoms in the short term, prolonged and excessive use can lead to increased intraocular pressure, resulting in secondary conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and optic nerve damage," cautions Dr. Tao.
For individuals experiencing severe symptoms persisting despite treatment over many years, Dr. Tao suggests considering relocation as a viable option. "Relocating to a different area far from the original residence and allergens may yield better outcomes by eliminating exposure to the allergens present in the previous environment."
