The Turkish Ophthalmology Association made important statements about eye allergy, which increases in the current spring months and the upcoming summer months. It was stated that severe and prolonged eye scratching can lead to a disease called keratoconus, which causes changes in the collagen structure of the cornea, the transparent layer of the eye. Especially due to the pandemic period, people were asked to be more sensitive and sensitive about hand and eye cleaning.
THERE IS AN INCREASE IN THE LAST 10 YEARS
Turkish Ophthalmology Association Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit Secretary Prof. Dr. H. Elvin Yıldız pointed out that approximately 40 percent of the world’s population has symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, and stated that the number of people suffering from this disease has increased rapidly both in our country and in the world in the last ten years.
STAY AWAY FROM POLEN, DUST AND Dampness
prof. Dr. H. Elvin Yıldız stated that eye allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system in the conjunctiva membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner part of the lids, and that eye allergy may be seasonal (spring-autumn) or may last all year. Yıldız continued: “Pollens and house dust mites are the most common allergens.
While exposure to large amounts of pollen can trigger seasonal eye allergies; House dust mites, mold, moisture and humidity, as well as pet hair, can be factors that trigger eye allergies all year long. Eye allergy is a very common disease in the community, and the most common symptoms are eye redness, itching, watering, swelling of the lids and sensitivity to light. In the treatment of eye allergy, when the patient follows the recommendations, the allergy decreases and there is relief.”
EYEBROW HABITS
In a group of patients included in the study, it was determined that eye scratching turned into a kind of habit and the patient scratched his eyes without realizing it. For this reason, it is necessary to create awareness of eye scratching in keratoconus patients and to raise awareness of patients on this issue, and it is extremely important.
IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS
prof. Dr. H. Elvin Yıldız stated that it is necessary to reduce the complaints quickly, to control the symptoms, to increase the quality of life of the patient and to prevent damage to the eye surface. The use of anti-allergic eye drops given by the ophthalmologist and cold application reduce the complaints. In addition, long-term uncontrolled drug use may cause undesirable side effects. He gave the following advice to patients:
CONDITIONS TO BE CONSIDERED
- not to scratch the eyes,
- Washing away allergens from the conjunctival sac with artificial tear drops,
- Applying cold compresses for 5-10 minutes 1-2 times a day
- Taking a break from contact lens use
- Not going out unless it is necessary during the times when the pollen is intense and the sun rays come the steepest,
- Using sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella when going out,
- Using air conditioners with pollen filters at home,
- Keeping house and car windows closed during the pollen season,
- Staying away from chemical cleaning agents, paints and perfumes,
- Removing furry pets or bathing them weekly
- Washing hair before sleep
- Not having items such as carpets, rugs and furry toys that will contain dust in the house,
LOSE OF VISUALITY IF NOT TREATED
prof. Dr. H. Elvin Yıldız also stated that due to the repetitive characteristics of allergies, unwanted complications on the surface of the eye and uncontrolled drug use can cause undesirable side effects such as glaucoma and cataracts. It is important for patients with complaints related to allergic conjunctivitis to apply to an ophthalmologist, to be treated and followed appropriately, to prevent short and long-term complications related to the disease and to protect their eye health.