Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
【China Times Health - Wang Guoqiang / Taipei Report】2008.10.07
On a leisurely afternoon with gentle breezes and warm sunshine, are you also riding your bicycle along a palm-lined avenue? However, be cautious of allergens like pollen and spores around you, which might turn your eyes red like a rabbit's. Ophthalmologist Li Dexiao states that eye allergies remain the most common issue in clinics. With the recent rise in the "cycling craze," many cyclists have experienced eye allergies due to exposure to suspended particles and pollen in the air while riding on roads or through shaded areas.
Dr. Li Dexiao points out that this is the time of seasonal transition. While the blooming flowers along the roadside create a beautiful scenery, they are also the primary culprits behind eye allergies. Coupled with severe air pollution, the exhaust from cars and motorcycles contains many microparticles and dust, which can easily blow into the eyes. When these allergens irritate the eyes, mast cells in the eyelids and conjunctiva release histamine, triggering an inflammatory response known as allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms include itchy eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, and tearing. Many people can't resist rubbing their eyes, leading to conjunctival edema, but this may also scratch the cornea or even damage vision.
Generally, allergic conjunctivitis cannot be completely cured but can be managed. Sometimes, changes in individual constitution and external environments, such as drier climates where allergens are reduced, may decrease the frequency and severity of symptoms. Clinically, treatment methods are divided into acute and chronic phases. During severe acute phases, steroid eye drops are often used to suppress inflammation and alleviate symptoms before further treatment. However, these medications require a doctor's diagnosis and regular follow-up to avoid increased intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma. For milder cases of chronic allergic conjunctivitis, mast cell stabilizers or antihistamine eye drops can be used to stabilize mast cells, preventing them from releasing histamine and triggering inflammation when exposed to allergens.
However, Dr. Li Dexiao emphasizes that most artificial tears on the market contain preservatives, which are often allergens for those with sensitive constitutions. This can lead to worsening itchiness with continued use. Therefore, for individuals with particularly sensitive constitutions or those who need to use artificial tears long-term, such as patients with allergic conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or dry eye syndrome, preservative-free eye drops are recommended. Options include single-dose vials or specially designed vacuum-sealed bottles (COMOD system). These unique packaging designs feature a silver bead at the bottle opening to prevent backflow and bacterial contamination, reducing the risk of contamination and offering patients a new choice.
Next time you want to enjoy a happy bike ride along a palm-lined avenue, it is recommended to wear goggles and carry artificial tears with you. If your eyes feel uncomfortable due to allergies, you can use the artificial tears to rinse your eyes, diluting the allergens and providing a protective layer with the mast cell stabilizers in the drops. However, if discomfort persists, avoid straining your eyes and seek an ophthalmologist for a proper examination.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=1,18& id=2855
Cyclists Beware: Watch out for Allergic Conjunctivitis
On a leisurely afternoon with gentle breezes and warm sunshine, are you also riding your bicycle along a palm-lined avenue? However, be cautious of allergens like pollen and spores around you, which might turn your eyes red like a rabbit's. Ophthalmologist Li Dexiao states that eye allergies remain the most common issue in clinics. With the recent rise in the "cycling craze," many cyclists have experienced eye allergies due to exposure to suspended particles and pollen in the air while riding on roads or through shaded areas.
Dr. Li Dexiao points out that this is the time of seasonal transition. While the blooming flowers along the roadside create a beautiful scenery, they are also the primary culprits behind eye allergies. Coupled with severe air pollution, the exhaust from cars and motorcycles contains many microparticles and dust, which can easily blow into the eyes. When these allergens irritate the eyes, mast cells in the eyelids and conjunctiva release histamine, triggering an inflammatory response known as allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms include itchy eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, and tearing. Many people can't resist rubbing their eyes, leading to conjunctival edema, but this may also scratch the cornea or even damage vision.
Generally, allergic conjunctivitis cannot be completely cured but can be managed. Sometimes, changes in individual constitution and external environments, such as drier climates where allergens are reduced, may decrease the frequency and severity of symptoms. Clinically, treatment methods are divided into acute and chronic phases. During severe acute phases, steroid eye drops are often used to suppress inflammation and alleviate symptoms before further treatment. However, these medications require a doctor's diagnosis and regular follow-up to avoid increased intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma. For milder cases of chronic allergic conjunctivitis, mast cell stabilizers or antihistamine eye drops can be used to stabilize mast cells, preventing them from releasing histamine and triggering inflammation when exposed to allergens.
However, Dr. Li Dexiao emphasizes that most artificial tears on the market contain preservatives, which are often allergens for those with sensitive constitutions. This can lead to worsening itchiness with continued use. Therefore, for individuals with particularly sensitive constitutions or those who need to use artificial tears long-term, such as patients with allergic conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or dry eye syndrome, preservative-free eye drops are recommended. Options include single-dose vials or specially designed vacuum-sealed bottles (COMOD system). These unique packaging designs feature a silver bead at the bottle opening to prevent backflow and bacterial contamination, reducing the risk of contamination and offering patients a new choice.
Next time you want to enjoy a happy bike ride along a palm-lined avenue, it is recommended to wear goggles and carry artificial tears with you. If your eyes feel uncomfortable due to allergies, you can use the artificial tears to rinse your eyes, diluting the allergens and providing a protective layer with the mast cell stabilizers in the drops. However, if discomfort persists, avoid straining your eyes and seek an ophthalmologist for a proper examination.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=1,18& id=2855