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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Rita Sitto
Franco Public Relations Group
 O: (313) 567-6008
sitto@franco.com

Don't Let Ragweed Be a Sight for Sore Eyes

The Michigan Optometric Association urges residents to take precautions this allergy season

LANSING, Mich. (September 16, 2009) – It's that time of the year again - when ragweed is causing havoc on the allergies of Michigan residents. Each ragweed plant makes about a billion pollen grains per season and with the help of Michigan winds, ragweed can travel up to 400 miles, causing sneezing and stuffy or runny noses and eye allergies. The Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) wants to warn area residents against eye allergy symptoms that may occur this fall and the precautionary steps needed to ensure healthy eyes.

Eye allergy symptoms can include itching, swollen or inflamed inner eyelids, tearing, blurred vision and sometimes mucus or watery discharge. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable for allergy sufferers and may impede sports activities, school performance and job productivity. For contact lens wearers, allergy season may present other difficulties involving airborne allergens that can adhere to the lenses and cause discomfort.

Many people use eye drops to relieve the symptoms associated with eye allergies. MOA doctors warn this practice cause undesirable side affects if not carefully monitored by an eye care specialist.

"Over-the-counter eye drops may temporarily help relieve eye allergy symptoms and keep contact lenses clean," said Jason Donahue, O.D., MOA member. "However, certain symptoms of eye allergies can be similar to other eye conditions, so to ensure eye and vision health, schedule an appointment with a local optometrist to determine the best treatment for any eye issue."

The MOA offers the following tips regarding eye drop safety for allergy sufferers:

  • Prescription eye drops are generally very effective and because they are applied topically, there are usually few systemic side effects. Most prescription drops are only used once or twice a day and many can be used to prevent the allergic reaction in the first place.
  • Over the counter eye drops are not as effective or safe as prescription drops. If used in excess, non-prescription drops can cause a rebound effect and actually make the eyes more red and irritated.
  • The best treatment is avoidance of the allergen. If you can identify and avoid the particular agent you are allergic to, your symptoms will improve dramatically.

Treating eye allergy symptoms does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many factors that go into getting the right treatment for symptoms. When visiting an optometrist, it is important to accurately describe symptoms so the doctor can prescribe a medication that safely and efficiently relieves the symptoms.

To locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor in your area, please visit www.themoa.org.

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[Editor's note: Dr. Donahue is available for interviews.
Please contact Rita Sitto at (313) 567-5008.]

About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.

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