About 50 million Americans suffer from ophthalmology in seniors or eye sensitivity. Eye allergies that often affect the clear membrane covering the eye are commonly known as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is divided into several main subtypes, but the most common are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC).
SAC and PAC are triggered by an immune response involving a sensitive individual and an allergen. Simply put, this means that if you are allergic to a particular substance, after coming into contact with it, you experience an allergic reaction (with symptoms such as itching and sneezing). Although allergies occur frequently, allergic conjunctivitis is most often seen in areas with high seasonal allergens (allergens). In this article from humanhealthmag, we will explain the symptoms and how to treat this condition.
Causes of Eye Sensitivity in the Elderly
Ophthalmology in seniors and eye allergies often affect the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane of skin that covers the eye. This clear membrane is the same type of skin that lines the inside of the nose. Because these two areas are so similar, similar allergens (the same substances that cause allergic reactions) can trigger similar allergic responses in both areas. Common causes of eye allergies include:
- Pollen
- Grasses
- Weeds
- Dust
- Pet dander
The main difference between seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) is when their symptoms develop. If a person has seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), they will generally experience problems for a short period of time. An older person may have problems with tree pollen in the spring, and with pollen in the summer. In this case, symptoms may resolve during other times of the year, especially in the winter.
If an older person has perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC), these problems may occur year-round. Instead of outdoor allergens, the person may also have problems with indoor allergens, such as dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander. Loss of balance in elderly may also occur if the eyes are not properly aligned.
What are the Types of Ophthalmology in Seniors?
Ophthalmology in seniors has different types, including the following:
Seasonal eye allergies
This type of eye allergy occurs at a specific time of the year. Spring eye allergies are very common, and some cases are also observed in the fall. The main cause of seasonal eye allergies can be considered to be pollen, plants, fungi, and molds. In fact, if the allergen directly enters the eye, you will suffer from seasonal eye allergies.
Perennial eye allergies
This type of eye allergies can affect a person’s eyes all year round. The trigger for the occurrence of perennial eye allergies is a type of insect in house dust, feathers in pillows and bedding, and pet dander. Other allergens for the occurrence of this condition include:
- Smoke
- Pool chlorine
- Perfumes and cologne
- Cosmetics
- Air pollution
- Consumption of certain medications
Symptoms of Ophthalmology in Seniors
As we have already said, ophthalmology in seniors or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis (PAC) have similar symptoms and almost always present in allergic eye reactions, itching is the symptom. The primary symptom of this type of eye allergy is also itching. In some cases, allergies can also occur due to changes of aging and the person gradually becomes more sensitive. In addition to itchy eyes, the person may also experience the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Tears
- Burning sensation
- Blurred vision
- Sputum production
Note that if an elderly person suffers from eye allergies; he can identify the substances to which he is allergic and avoid them. This will significantly improve the symptoms. If the person is unable to identify or avoid the allergens, he should see an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye treatment and surgery). The doctor can accurately diagnose the symptoms and how to treat them.
If a person has seasonal allergies (SAC), they should see a doctor before the allergy season begins and start treatment before symptoms begin. Periodic checkups can also help the person in the treatment process.
Eye Allergy Exams
To diagnose the cause and treat ophthalmology in seniors often, an ophthalmologist can diagnose your eye allergy based on your description alone. The patient’s eyes are examined to help rule out other problems.
The doctor will examine the front of your eyes using a special microscope called a slit lamp. Using the slit lamp, the ophthalmologist will examine your eyes for dilated blood vessels, conjunctival swelling, and eyelid swelling, all of which indicate an allergic reaction. Rarely, a scraping of the conjunctiva may also be done to check for eosinophils. Eosinophils are special cells that are commonly associated with allergies, however, this type of problem only occurs in some cases and is rare.
How to Treat Ophthalmology in the Elderly
As with any problem, prevention is better than cure. Avoidance of allergens is the mainstay of treatment for this allergy. If you can identify and avoid the specific allergens to which you are allergic, your allergy symptoms will improve significantly. To help reduce symptoms, try these home care tips:
- Reduce your allergen load by minimizing spills and spills where allergens can collect.
- Avoid pillows, bedding, drapes, and other fabrics that can collect dust.
- Reduce the number of items that collect dust.
- Minimize carpeting that can be a good haven for dust.
- Clean regularly and thoroughly to remove dust.
- Eliminate water leaks and standing water that can cause mold growth.
- Cover your mattress and pillows with allergen-proof sheets
- Use allergen filters in your kitchen and air conditioners in your home. Also, make sure to change them regularly. Keep outdoor allergens out of your home by keeping windows and doors closed.
- Apply cold compresses to your eyes to help reduce allergic reactions.
- Use artificial tears/lubricating eye drops as needed to help prevent allergens from getting into your eyes.
Drug Treatment of Ophthalmology in Seniors
Over-the-counter medications such as eye drops and oral antihistamines are used for ophthalmology in seniors that are mild. In addition, many prescription eye drops are also available and are easy to obtain to help reduce eye allergies.
In general, eye drops are very effective for eye allergies because they are applied topically, and eye drops usually have few side effects. Most eye drops are used twice a day and can be used to prevent allergic reactions in the first place. Some allergy eye drops include:
- Nedocromil (Allocril)
- Ketotifen (Zaditor)
- Allopatadine (Patanol)
- Azelastine (Aptiar)
- Pemirolast (Alamast)
- Epinastine (Elastat)
For more serious cases, topical ocular corticosteroids can be used; However, many of the older corticosteroids cause side effects with long-term use. Newer corticosteroid medications have fewer eye side effects. Note that these medications must be prescribed by a doctor. Some common topical ocular corticosteroids include:
- Loteprednel / (Allerex)
- Loteprednel / (Lutemax)
- Prednisolone (AK-Pred)
- Rimexolone (Vexol)
- Medrisone (HMS)
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we have outlined the signs and symptoms of ophthalmology in seniors. In general, for mild cases of seasonal allergies (SAC) and perennial allergies (PAC), you should see your doctor regularly. In severe cases or recurrent exacerbations, more frequent visits may be necessary. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent seasonal allergies (SAC) and perennial allergies (PAC) other than avoiding the allergen.
Eye allergies are a bothersome nuisance. Although the symptoms may not interfere with daily activities, they can affect a person’s quality of life. Therefore, they should be treated by an ophthalmologist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Complications do Eye Allergies Cause?
If not followed up and treated in a timely manner, they may cause eye damage, scarring of blood vessels, and corneal inflammation.
What are the Most Important Allergens for Eye Allergies?
Stimulants such as dust in the air, animal dander, smoke, air pollution, mold, fungi, and pollen are the main causes of eye allergies.
What is the Best Way to Prevent Eye Allergies?
Staying away from the allergen, keeping your home clean from dust, using tinted glasses to prevent contamination from entering the eyes, avoiding rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, not rubbing and constantly itching your eyes, using reputable cosmetics, and staying away from pets.