What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?

The final and probably most common version of pink eye is allergic conjunctivitis. This is most common during the spring and fall.

Allergic conjunctivitis has a trademark itching component along with redness, irritation, and tearing. There are many types of prescription ocular drops to help get people through this rough time/season.

All three forms of conjunctivitis have similar properties and symptoms, but with careful testing and monitoring can be differentiated.

So the next time anyone in your family comes down with ‘pink eye’ make sure to get them to your family optometrist for the proper diagnosis and management.

Dry Eyes – What Can I Do?

Dry eyes are one of the most common ocular complaints experienced throughout the year, especially during the harsh winter season.  Dry eyes can be a result of anything from temperature changes and low humidity to the car heater blowing warm air directly into the eyes.  Contact lenses tend to dry out more this time of year resulting in vision loss, redness and irritation.  Dry eyes can also be the result of dietary changes, vitamin deficiencies and shifting hormone levels.  Although there are many causes of dry eyes, the treatment protocols are all very similar in nature.

The sensation of a ‘dry eye’ results simply when there are not enough tears to cover the ocular surface.  One of the best ways to help prevent dry eyes this winter is to maintain a good layer of tears on the eye.  Massaging the lower eyelids for 3-5 minutes both in the morning and at night will help increase your tear flow.  Another suggestion would be to use a GOOD artificial tear 4 times a day.  Just like lotion for dry skin and lip balm for chapped lips, the eyes can use some extra moisturizing this time of year as well.  For contact lens wearers, there are dry eye specific contacts available as well as cleaning solutions designed specifically for these symptoms.

Dr. Jeremy Ciano’s new Optometric Practice, RevolutionEyes, featuring state of the art comprehensive exams, international frame selection, and specialty contact lenses, is now located in Clay Terrace.  Please call 844-2020 to schedule your annual exam.