Is it really Allergies?

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Are allergies affecting your vision?

Do you struggle with ocular fatigue, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, contact lens intolerance, red itchy eyes, or the sensation of a foreign substance in your eye when appearing absent? Millions of Americans struggle with such symptoms, and mistakenly attribute the cause to allergies. Additionally, such symptoms associated with diagnoses such as Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, Ocular Allergies, and Autoimmune diseases may need to seek further testing to identify causes and treatments of the condition; whereas, it may be causing damage in unknown areas. Parenthetically, ignoring these symptoms without further investigation into the cause may significantly damage your vision. For example, the previously mentioned symptoms are commonly experienced in individuals who suffer from Dry Eye Disease (DED).

Moreover, while DED may seem miniscule, 86% of those with DED also have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is demonstrated through changes in the glandular secretion resulting in possible alterations of the tear film, pronounced symptoms of eye irritation, significant inflammation, and ocular surface disease. In order to prevent further deterioration and loss of visual function, early detection and treatment is imperative. Recent studies report proliferating factors which contribute to the onset of the condition, such as working in a room containing an air-conditioner, frequently working on a computer or iPhone, or any other activity decreasing one’s ability to blink. Research has found most everyone is at risk, and routine dry eye exams are strongly recommended for incorporation into every eye exam.

How to treat dry eyes.

Furthermore, anyone over the age of 20 is significantly at risk, while the condition is extremely underdiagnosed, the effects are drastically impeding upon the everyday lifestyles of Americans, while commonly used artificial tears are not effective long-term treatments. In order to properly safeguard yourself from visual deficiencies, it is imperative to ask your doctor about DED, and verify the health of your vision is being properly assessed and treated by a healthcare provider who is well knowledgeable of innovative long-term treatments preventing further risks.