Eye specialists issue caution against self-treatment for allergies
Rising Eye Diseases Warrant Caution During Spring Season
The Secretary General of SPO, Vitor Maduro, has urged caution as the increasing levels of pollen in the air this spring may lead to an influx of eye diseases. Speaking to Lusa, Maduro expressed concerns over self-medication in allergic conjunctivitis and other eye diseases, emphasizing that medical supervision is critical.
"The rain has stopped, paving the way for spring plants to emerge. This can result in a surge of pollen in the air, leading to more frequent complaints," Maduro stated.
Symptoms of eye diseases encompass itchy eyes, red eyes, excessive tearing, the sensation of a foreign body in the eyes, increased sensitivity to light, swollen eyelids, and a sensation of sand. Allergic conjunctivitis, a common springtime eye disease, occurs due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane that safeguards the white part of the eyes and the inner eyelids.
Maduro highlighted that allergic conjunctivitis doesn't occur suddenly and often stems from a prior history of allergic diseases. He advised awareness of these complaints and avoidance of contact with known allergens.
"It is vital that patients maintain close contact with their ophthalmologists, and family doctors also play a role in raising awareness," Maduro pointed out. He reiterated that patients must take the initiative in taking precautions.
SPO recommends that residents in high and high pollination zones keep their windows closed and use cold water compresses or artificial tears to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, they suggest avoiding rubbing the eyes, wearing sunglasses outdoors, washing eyes with saline solution, and consulting an ophthalmologist if all other measures fail.
High pollen concentrations typically peak between April and June. Adopting preventative measures and treatment strategies can significantly reduce symptoms and improve comfort during this season. For instance, keeping windows and doors closed, using air conditioning and HEPA air purifiers, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and showering after being outdoors can help minimize exposure to allergens. Personal habits, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding rubbing eyes, and switching to glasses from contact lenses when eyes are red and scratchy, are also recommended.
Implementing these measures can help manage and relieve allergic conjunctivitis effectively during spring. If symptoms persist despite over-the-counter remedies, vision changes occur, severe light sensitivity is present, or signs of infection are noticeable, seek professional evaluation.
- Paying attention to health and wellness during spring is crucial, especially considering the rise in medical-conditions like allergic conjunctivitis due to increased pollen levels, which can lead to eye-health issues.
- It's imperative to be aware of the symptoms of eye diseases, such as itchy eyes, red eyes, and excess tearing, especially during seasonal changes like spring, when allergic conjunctivitis is common due to the emergence of plants.
3.To manage allergic conjunctivitis effectively and improve eye-health, it's recommended to maintain close contact with ophthalmologists and family doctors, use preventative measures like keeping windows closed, and adopt practices like wearing sunglasses, washing hands frequently, and avoiding contact with known allergens.
- Alongside physical health, mental-health and fitness-and-exercise should also be prioritized during spring. This includes maintaining a balanced diet for nutrition and engaging in regular exercise to boost overall health-and-wellness, which can help strengthen the body's defense against allergic reactions and other medical-conditions.
