Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is a non-contagious, chronic inflammatory reaction that affects the delicate tissue lining the underside of the eyelids. It is most commonly triggered by extended contact lens wear or allergic responses to lens materials, cleaning solutions, or even environmental allergens like dust, makeup, or fabric softeners.

Despite its name, GPC is not an infection, but rather a mechanical and allergic irritation, where small inflammatory bumps (papillae) form under the upper eyelid. If left untreated, these papillae can grow large enough to disrupt vision and make contact lenses intolerable.

What Causes GPC?

GPC is typically the result of constant micro-trauma to the conjunctiva from the blinking motion over contact lenses or other ocular devices (e.g. sutures, prosthetics, or corneal scars).

Additional risk factors and triggers include:

• Wearing reusable or poorly cleaned contact lenses
• Sleeping with contact lenses
• Using expired lens solutions or harsh preservatives
• Allergies (pollen, dust, animal dander, etc.)
• Makeup or skincare products
• Conditions like eczema, asthma, or hay fever

Even pillows, detergents, or cosmetic ingredients can irritate the eyelids and contribute to GPC.

Signs and Symptoms of GPC

Symptoms often develop gradually, and early signs may go unnoticed until discomfort becomes more pronounced. Look out for:

• Itching, burning, or gritty eyes
• Redness and lid inflammation
• Stringy or watery mucus discharge
• Blurry vision
• Contact lenses feeling loose, sticky, or constantly out of place
• Increased lens intolerance and discomfort while blinking

Often, the only way to detect early-stage GPC is through a professional eye exam—especially for regular contact lens wearers.

Diagnosis and Risk Groups

GPC is most commonly diagnosed during a routine slit-lamp exam by your optometrist. If you wear contact lenses—especially for extended periods—or have chronic allergies, you are considered high risk.

You’re more susceptible if you:

• Wear soft reusable lenses
• Sleep in lenses
• Suffer from allergies or asthma
• Have poor lens hygiene
• Use lens solutions with preservatives

Treatment and Management of GPC

Effective treatment focuses on eliminating the cause, soothing symptoms, and preventing recurrence.

Initial Management

• Stop contact lens use for several weeks
• Switch to glasses temporarily
• Identify and eliminate allergen or irritant triggers
• Consider switching to daily disposable lenses

Medications and Therapies

• Cold compresses to reduce itching and swelling
• Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser eye drops
• Lubricating drops to reduce irritation
• Topical corticosteroids (for severe cases, under supervision)
• Oral antihistamines
• Immunotherapy (in very persistent allergic cases)

Long-term, the goal is to reduce recurrence through good lens hygiene, frequent lens changes, and avoiding high-risk products or environments.

Wearing contacts and noticing discomfort or blurry vision?

Book a professional eye exam at Davida van der Merwe Optometrist to detect early signs of GPC and get expert advice on lens care and allergy management.

Blepharitis is a common, chronic condition that involves inflammation of the eyelids, specifically around the base of the eyelashes or the oil-producing Meibomian glands. It affects people of all ages and, while it does not typically damage vision or spread from person to person, it can cause significant discomfort and visual disturbances if left untreated.

Though there is currently no permanent cure, the condition can be effectively managed with consistent eyelid hygiene and, in some cases, medication.

Types of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is categorised based on where the inflammation occurs:

• Anterior Blepharitis – Affects the front of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow. Often linked to bacterial (staphylococcal) infections or skin conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis.
• Posterior Blepharitis – Involves the Meibomian glands at the back of the eyelids. This type is often associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and skin conditions like rosacea.
• Mixed Blepharitis – A combination of both anterior and posterior blepharitis. This is the most common form and often requires a multi-faceted treatment approach.

Signs and Symptoms

Blepharitis typically affects both eyes, though symptoms can vary in severity between them. Common symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, or itchy eyelids
• Crusting or greasiness at the base of the eyelashes
• Burning or gritty sensation in the eyes
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Watery eyes or dry eye symptoms
• Eyelashes that fall out or grow abnormally
• Uncomfortable contact lens wear
• Morning symptom flare-ups

In severe or untreated cases, inflammation can lead to ulcerative blepharitis, loss of eyelashes, and even corneal involvement, including erosions or neovascularisation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Blepharitis may arise from one or more of the following:

• Bacterial infection (especially staphylococcus)
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis (flaky, oily skin)
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Rosacea
• Eyelash mites or poor eyelid hygiene
• Hormonal changes or oily skin conditions

Although not contagious, blepharitis is persistent and can be exacerbated by other ocular surface diseases like allergies or dry eyes.

Treatment and Eyelid Hygiene

Blepharitis is usually a long-term (chronic) condition, and managing it requires ongoing care. The cornerstone of treatment is daily eyelid hygiene.

Daily Eyelid Care Routine:

1. Warm Compresses – Apply a warm, clean towel for 5–10 minutes to soften gland secretions.
2. Gentle Lid Massage – Massage the eyelids to express oils from the glands.
3. Lid Cleaning – Use a recommended lid cleanser to remove crusts, bacteria, and debris.

Medication Options:

• Topical or oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline)
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments
• Omega-3 supplements or flaxseed oil to support gland health
• Long-term oral antibiotics for chronic posterior blepharitis or rosacea-related cases

With consistent care, flare-ups can be reduced, and symptoms kept under control.

Struggling with crusty, swollen eyelids or gritty eyes in the morning?

Book a consultation with Davida van der Merwe Optometrist for expert diagnosis and a personalised care plan to manage blepharitis and protect your eye health.

Meibomitis, also referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) or posterior blepharitis, is a chronic inflammation of the small oil-producing glands found in the eyelids. These Meibomian glands release an oily substance that forms part of the tear film, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly and keeping the eyes comfortable and lubricated.

The condition typically causes dryness, redness, blurry vision, and a persistent gritty or burning sensation in the eyes. When left untreated, Meibomitis can significantly impact eye comfort and may lead to long-term dry eye disease.

What Causes Meibomitis?

The glands affected by Meibomitis become blocked or inflamed, leading to poor-quality oil secretion. This breakdown in the tear film causes quicker tear evaporation and irritation of the ocular surface.

Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Allergies
• Rosacea, acne, or scalp dandruff
• Hormonal changes, especially during adolescence
• Eyelash mites or lice
• Make-up and poor eye hygiene
• Certain medications (e.g., isotretinoin)
• Contact lens solutions or extended wear
• Compromised immune function or poor diet

How Meibomitis Develops

In the early stages, inflammation causes eye irritation, especially upon waking, due to reduced tear production during sleep. Over time, the meibomian glands become scarred and less functional. Symptoms then begin to appear later in the day, as dryness and oil imbalance worsen.

Without proper care, the glands can become permanently blocked, leaving the patient with chronic dry eye symptoms that progress throughout the day.

Signs and Symptoms

While severity varies, common symptoms of Meibomitis include:

• Redness of the eye and eyelid margins
• Dryness and excessive tearing
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Itching, burning, or light sensitivity
• A gritty or foreign body sensation
• Worsened symptoms in the morning or evening

Diagnosis and Risk Factors

Meibomitis is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, where the optometrist examines the gland function, lid margins, and tear quality.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Wear eye makeup frequently
• Have chronic skin conditions like rosacea
• Don’t regularly clean your eyelid margins
• Are exposed to allergens or irritants
• Have a compromised immune system

Treatment Options for Meibomitis

Management is focused on restoring gland function, relieving symptoms, and preventing long-term damage.

Home Therapy

1. Warm compresses in the morning (10 minutes)
2. Gentle lid massage to promote oil flow
3. Daily eyelid scrubs using specialised cleansers
4. Avoiding eye makeup during flare-ups

Professional and Medical Treatment

5. Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) to improve oil quality
6. Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
7. Omega-3 supplements to restore healthy oil consistency
8. Vitamin A and C to support gland function and repair
9. Artificial tears to stabilise the tear film
10. In-office procedures like thermal pulsation or gland expression (where available)

Long-term consistency in lid hygiene and nutrition is key to keeping symptoms under control.

Struggling with dry, red, irritated eyes that get worse in the morning or evening?

Book a consultation with Davida van der Merwe Optometris to assess for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and get personalised treatment that brings lasting relief.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that occurs when the conjunctiva—the clear tissue covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids—becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction.

Typical triggers include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, or flowers
• Dust mites and mould spores
• Animal dander
• Household cleaners, detergents, perfumes, or fabric softeners

This reaction causes the body to release histamine, which leads to redness, itching, swelling, and watering of the eyes. While not dangerous, it can significantly affect comfort and quality of life—especially during allergy seasons like spring.

Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis

There are two primary forms of this condition:

Acute Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Sudden onset, often linked to seasonal allergies
• Itchy, swollen eyelids
• Runny nose and tearing
• Symptoms peak during allergy seasons

Chronic Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Year-round exposure to allergens like dust, pet hair, or chemical irritants
• Milder but more persistent symptoms such as burning, itching, and light sensitivity

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and symptoms tend to appear quickly. Common signs include:

• Itchy, gritty, or burning eyes
• Redness of the whites of the eyes and eyelids
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Watery or teary eyes
• Red and sore skin on the inside of the eyelids
• No impact on vision, unless severe inflammation occurs
• In serious cases, the upper conjunctiva may become lumpy

Causes and Risk Factors

You’re likely experiencing allergic conjunctivitis if your body is reacting to one or more of the following triggers:

• Pollen from grass, trees, or flowers
• Dust and household mould
• Animal fur or feathers
• Chemical scents in cleaning products, deodorants, or perfumes
• Contact lens solutions or medicated eye drops

Who’s Most at Risk?

• Individuals with allergies or hayfever
• Children and young adults
• Those living in areas with high pollen counts
• People with a family history of allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 40% of children and 30% of adults suffer from allergies, many of whom will also develop allergic conjunctivitis.

Treatment Options for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Home Care

Managing symptoms at home can be highly effective, especially for mild cases:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Dust frequently and use HEPA-filter air purifiers
• Avoid exposure to perfumes, fabric softeners, and aerosol products
• Use cool compresses to reduce swelling and itching
• Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent further irritation

Medications

In more persistent or severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary:

• Antihistamine tablets (oral or over-the-counter)
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Decongestant drops to reduce redness
• Steroid eye drops for severe flare-ups (prescription only)

Always consult your optometrist or healthcare provider before starting treatment—especially with steroid drops.

Tired of itchy, red eyes every allergy season?

Book an appointment at Davida van der Merwe Optometrist for expert diagnosis and personalised care to keep your eyes healthy and irritation-free.

Corneal neovascularisation is a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow into the cornea—a part of the eye that is normally transparent and free of blood vessels. This invasion of vessels can impair vision and may lead to complications if left untreated.

The primary cause of this condition is oxygen deprivation (ocular hypoxia), often linked to extended or improper contact lens wear. The condition can also result from ocular trauma, infections, or underlying health conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rosacea.

Why It Happens

The cornea depends on oxygen and nutrients from tears and the surrounding atmosphere. When it becomes deprived—most commonly due to tight or oxygen-blocking contact lenses—the body responds by growing blood vessels into the cornea, which disrupts its transparency and function.

Common causes include:

• Long-term or improper contact lens wear
• Viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex)
• Corneal ulcers or trauma
• Autoimmune diseases (like acne rosacea or Sjögren’s syndrome)
• Poor hygiene and follow-up care in contact lens wearers

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

In many cases, early signs may only be visible during an eye examination. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Redness around the cornea (limbal hyperemia)
• Blurring of vision, especially when wearing contact lenses
• Eye sensitivity to light
• Yellow-white lipid deposits in the cornea
• Decreased tolerance for contact lenses
• Engorged or branching vessels in the cornea
• Dryness, discomfort, or inflammation
• Corneal scarring or haemorrhage in severe cases

Risk Factors to Note

You may be at greater risk for corneal neovascularisation if you:

• Wear hydrogel contact lenses
• Wear lenses for extended periods without breaks
• Use poor lens hygiene or infrequent replacements
• Have dry eye syndrome, high myopia, or chronic inflammation

Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial—especially for long-term contact lens users.

Potential Complications

If left untreated, corneal neovascularisation can lead to:

• Permanent vision impairment
• Corneal scarring or ulceration
• Severe inflammation and lipid accumulation
• In extreme cases, corneal transplant may become necessary

How Neovascularisation Is Treated

Treatment focuses on halting vessel progression and preserving vision. Management depends on the severity and underlying cause:

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Stop or limit contact lens use immediately
• Switch to high oxygen-permeability lenses (e.g. silicone hydrogel or rigid gas permeable lenses)
• Topical corticosteroids for active inflammation
• Artificial tears for dry eye management
• Anti-VEGF treatments like bevacizumab to reduce blood vessel growth
• Treat underlying causes such as blepharitis, rosacea, or infection

Advanced & Surgical Options

• Refitting of lenses or discontinuation altogether in advanced cases
• Superficial keratectomy to remove surface vessels
• Photodynamic therapy or argon laser obliteration of vessel lumens
• Amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal healing
• Corneal transplant surgery in cases of central scarring, though risk of rejection is high

Wearing contact lenses and noticing redness or discomfort in your eyes?

Book a detailed eye health evaluation with Davida van der Merwe Optometrist to detect early signs of corneal neovascularisation and protect your vision.

A pinguecula is a small, elevated yellowish bump that forms on the white part of the eye (sclera), near the edge of the cornea. It typically appears on the side closest to the nose but may also form on the outer edge. While often confused with a pterygium, the pinguecula differs in that it does not grow into the cornea and tends to progress more slowly.

Although benign and non-cancerous, a pinguecula can become uncomfortable or inflamed—especially when exposed to sunlight, wind, or dry environments.

What Causes a Pinguecula?

Pingueculae are strongly linked to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, with additional aggravating factors including:

• Dry eyes
• Wind and dust exposure
• Outdoor environments without proper eye protection

UV radiation alters the structure of the conjunctival tissue, resulting in a raised, fatty or protein-based deposit. This change in the eye’s surface may also disturb tear distribution, contributing to irritation and dryness.

Signs and Symptoms

Most pingueculae are harmless and asymptomatic—but when inflammation or irritation occurs, you may experience:

• Grittiness or a foreign body sensation
• Dry, itchy, or burning eyes
• Redness and swelling (pingueculitis)
• Blurred vision or extra blood vessels near the bump
• Mild discomfort when blinking or wearing contact lenses

The bump is often slightly yellow, round or oval, and raised. It usually remains small, but in rare cases may enlarge over time.

How It Differs from a Pterygium

A pterygium is a larger growth that extends over the cornea and may affect vision. A pinguecula, on the other hand, is localized, stays on the sclera, and rarely interferes with sight. However, both can cause similar irritation and dryness when inflamed.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing a pinguecula:

• Extended UV exposure (especially without sunglasses)
• Outdoor work or hobbies
• Dry or windy climates
• Chronic dry eye disease
• Lack of protective eyewear

Wearing wraparound sunglasses with 100% UV protection is a simple and effective way to minimise your risk, even on cloudy days.

Treatment Options

In most cases, no treatment is required. However, if symptoms occur, relief may be provided with:

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to relieve dryness
• Anti-inflammatory drops or ointments for flare-ups
• Cool compresses to soothe irritation

Surgical Removal

Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered if:

• The appearance causes distress
• It interferes with contact lens wear
• The pinguecula becomes chronically inflamed
• There are changes in size, shape, or colour

In some cases, surface radiation or medication may be used post-operatively to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Noticed a small bump on the white of your eye or feeling persistent eye irritation?

Book a consultation with Davida van der Merwe Optometrist to assess and manage any unusual growths before they affect your comfort or eye health.

A pterygium (pronounced te-ridge-e-um) is a non-cancerous, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the conjunctiva—the clear mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eye. It typically begins from the inner corner of the eye (closer to the nose) and can gradually extend towards the cornea.

The word pterygium originates from the Greek word pterygos, meaning “wing,” as it often resembles a butterfly wing in shape. While usually harmless, a pterygium may cause discomfort and can lead to vision problems if it grows too far across the cornea.

What Causes Pterygium?

While the exact cause remains unclear, long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is considered the most significant contributing factor. Other environmental irritants such as dust, wind, and dry air can also trigger or worsen the condition.

Risk factors include:

• Prolonged UV exposure
• Dry or windy climates
• Outdoor occupations or hobbies
• Chronic eye irritation or dryness
• Genetic predisposition

Signs and Symptoms

Many people with a pterygium are initially asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. However, as the tissue grows, symptoms may include:

• Redness and inflammation in the eye
• A gritty or foreign body sensation
• Dry eyes due to reduced tear production
• Blurred or distorted vision if the cornea becomes altered
• Obstructed vision if the growth reaches the pupil
• Astigmatism or visual irregularities
• A visible white-to-pink growth, usually triangular in shape
• Presence of a Stocker line (an iron line at the edge of the growth)

Pterygia are sometimes mistaken for cataracts, but unlike cataracts (which are inside the eye), pterygia are external growths on the surface.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

Most pterygia are benign and manageable, but treatment is recommended when:

• The growth threatens to affect vision
• It causes ongoing discomfort
• You experience frequent redness or inflammation
• The appearance affects your confidence or facial aesthetics
• You’re at risk of corneal scarring
• Non-surgical relief with lubricating eye drops proves insufficient

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears help soothe dryness and irritation
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed for flare-ups
• Protective eyewear (sunglasses with 100% UV protection) can prevent worsening

Surgical Removal

When the pterygium grows aggressively or causes visual distortion, it can be surgically removed under local or general anaesthesia.

Today’s standard method often involves:

• Removing the growth
• Placing a conjunctival autograft (tissue from the same eye) or a preserved amniotic membrane
• Securing the graft with medical glue or fine stitches

This helps reduce the risk of recurrence and ensures better cosmetic outcomes.

Post-Surgery Care and Prevention

After surgery, the pterygium can return in up to 50% of cases, so post-operative care is essential:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors
• Use a wide-brimmed hat in sunny environments
• Continue with prescribed eye drops
• Schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing

Noticed a growth in the corner of your eye or experiencing chronic eye irritation?

Book a professional eye examination with Davida van der Merwe Optometrist to assess and manage any abnormal changes before they impact your vision.

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The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that 50 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies, and its prevalence is increasing, affecting up to 30 percent of adults and up to 40 percent of children.

In addition to having symptoms of sneezing, congestion and a runny nose, most of these allergy sufferers also experience itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes and swollen eyelids. And in some cases, eye allergies can play a role in conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections.

If you think you have eye allergies, here are a few things you should know, including helpful tips on how to get relief from your red, itchy, watery eyes.

What Causes Eye Allergies

Normally harmless substances that cause problems for individuals, who are predisposed to allergic reactions, are called allergens. The most common airborne allergens that cause eye allergies are pollen, mould, dust and pet dander.

Eye allergies can also be caused by reactions to certain cosmetics or eye drops, including artificial tears used for treating dry eyes; that contain preservatives.

Food allergies and allergic reactions to bee stings or other insect bites typically do not affect the eyes as severely as airborne allergens do.

Eye allergy relief

To get relief from your eye allergies, there are a few approaches which you can follow. These include:

Avoiding allergens

As the old saying goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (By the way, Benjamin Franklin said that — the same man who invented bifocals).

The best approach to controlling your eye allergy symptoms is to do everything you can to limit your exposure to common allergens that you are sensitive to.

For example, on days when the pollen count is high, stay indoors as much as possible, with the air conditioner running to filter the air. Use high quality furnace filters that can trap common allergens and replace the filters frequently.

When you do go outdoors during allergy season, wear wraparound sunglasses to help shield your eyes from pollen, ragweed and other allergens, while driving with your car windows closed.

Removing your contacts

Because the surface of contact lenses can attract and accumulate airborne allergens, consider wearing your eyeglasses during allergy season.

Or consider switching to daily disposable contacts, which you can discard after a single use, to avoid the build-up of allergens and other debris on your lenses.

Often the best choice if allergies are bothering your eyes, is to discontinue wearing contacts altogether, at least until all your allergy symptoms are gone.

Also, wearing eyeglasses with photochromic lenses can reduce allergy-related sensitivity to light and can help shield your eyes from airborne allergens.

Over-the counter eye drops

Because eye allergies are so common, there are a number of brands of non-prescription eye drops available, which are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness and watery eyes caused by allergies.

If your eye allergy symptoms are relatively mild, over-the-counter eye drops for allergy relief may work very well for you and may be less expensive than prescription eye drops or other medication.

Ask your eye doctor to recommend a brand to try.

Strategies for you to follow:

Eight tips for eye allergy sufferers:

1. Get an early start. See your eye doctor before allergy season begins, as to learn how to reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
2. Try to avoid or limit your exposure to the primary causes of your eye allergies. In the spring and summer, pollen from trees and grasses are the usual suspects. Ragweed pollen is the biggest culprit in late summer and fall. Mould, dust mites and pet dander are common indoor allergens during winter.
3. Protect your eyes from airborne allergens outdoors by wearing wraparound-style sunglasses.
4. Don’t rub your eyes if they itch. Eye rubbing releases more histamine and makes your allergy symptoms worse.
5. Use plenty of artificial tears to wash airborne allergens from your eyes. Ask your eye doctor which brands are best for you.
6. Cut down your contact lens wear or switch to daily disposable lenses to reduce the build-up of allergens on your lenses.
7. Shower before bedtime and gently clean your eyelids to remove any pollen that could cause irritation while you sleep.
8. Consider purchasing an air purifier for your home and purchase an allergen-trapping filter for your heating/cooling system.

Prescription medications:  

If your allergy symptoms are relatively severe or over-the-counter eye drops are ineffective at providing relief, you may need your eye doctor to prescribe a stronger medication.

Prescription eye drops and oral medications used to relieve eye allergies include:

Antihistamines

Part of the body’s natural allergic response is the release of histamine, a substance that dilates blood vessels and making the walls of blood vessels abnormally permeable. Symptoms caused by histamine include a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamines reduce allergic reactions by blocking the attachment of histamine to cells in the body that produce an allergic response.

Decongestants

Decongestants help shrink swollen nasal passages for easier breathing. They also reduce the size of blood vessels on the white (sclera) of the eye to relieve red eyes. Common decongestants include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Combination drugs are available that contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant.

Mast cell stabilizers

These medications cause changes in mast cells, which prevents them from releasing of histamine and related mediators of allergic reactions. Because it may take several weeks for the full effects of mast cell stabilizers to take effect, these medications are best used before allergy season starts, as a method to prevent or reduce the severity of future allergic reactions (rather than to treat acute allergic symptoms that already exist).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

NSAID eye drops may be prescribed to decrease swelling, inflammation and other symptoms associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, also called hay fever.

Steroids

Corticosteroid eye drops are sometimes prescribed to provide relief from acute eye allergy symptoms. Potential side effects of long-term use of these medications include high eye pressure, glaucoma and cataracts, so they are typically prescribed for short-term use only.

Immunotherapy

This is a treatment where an allergy specialist injects you with small amounts of allergens to help you gradually build up immunity.

EYE ALLERGIES SELF-TEST

Common allergens include pollen, animal dander and mould. While it is imperative to consult your doctor if you suspect you have an eye condition which needs medical care, you can take the following quiz to determine if you have eye allergies:

• Do allergies run in your family?
• Do your eyes often itch, particularly during spring pollen season?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with “pink eye” (conjunctivitis)?
• Are you allergic to certain animals, such as cats?
• Do you often need antihistamines and/or decongestants to control sneezing, coughing and congestion?
• When there is pollen in the air, are your eyes less red and itchy when you stay indoors under an air conditioner?
• Do your eyes begin tearing when you wear certain cosmetics or lotions, or when you’re around certain strong perfumes?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you may have eye allergies. Make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action.

Eye allergies and contact lenses

Contact lens discomfort is a common complaint during allergy season, leading some wearers to question whether they are becoming allergic to contact lenses.

The issue of being allergic to contacts also comes up from time to time, when a person starts wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses, after successfully wearing standard soft (hydrogel) contact lenses and experiences allergy-like symptoms.

Studies have shown that the culprit behind eye allergies associated with contact lens wear is not an allergic reaction to the contact lens itself, but rather to substances that accumulate on the surface of the lenses.

In the case of switching from regular soft contacts to silicone hydrogel lenses, the surface and chemical characteristics of the lens material may attract lens deposits more readily than the previous lens material, causing discomfort.

Many eye care practitioners believe the best type of soft contact lenses for people prone to eye allergies are daily disposable lenses, which are discarded after a single use, which decreases the build-up of allergens and other debris on the lens surface.

Silicone hydrogel often is the preferred lens material for these lenses, because it allows significantly more oxygen to pass through the lens, compared with conventional soft contact lens materials.

Be sure to visit your optometrist, ophthalmologist and doctor to find the best solutions for your allergies.