Eye Related Symptoms Bring More Than Tears to Allergy Sufferers, New Survey Reveals
May 28 2009 - 7:17AM
PR Newswire (US)
Free "Eye Health & Allergies" brochure available from Asthma
& Allergy Foundation of America JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 28
/PRNewswire/ -- Many allergy sufferers say symptoms such as itchy,
dry, red and watery eyes leave them frustrated and irritable,
tired, and distracted, according to a new survey conducted by the
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). About 40 percent
of women allergy sufferers surveyed say their red and puffy eyes
make them look tired and unattractive. Among those who wear contact
lenses, other problems arise. When their allergies act up, half
(50%) say they switch to glasses, while 45 percent report that they
wear their contacts less often. For some, not being able to wear
their contacts affects how they feel about themselves and impacts
their performance at work, school, and when playing sports. "Having
to stop wearing their contacts or wear them less frequently creates
a wide range of emotions among allergy sufferers," says Mike
Tringale, Director of External Affairs, AAFA, the leading patient
advocacy organization for people with asthma and allergies.
"Contact lens wearers say they feel less attractive when wearing
their glasses (37%), unhappy (35%), less confident without their
contacts (29%), and less able to perform activities as well as when
they are wearing their contact lenses (26%)." More than 800 people
responded to the online survey about eyes and allergies, conducted
by AAFA, and supported by 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) Brand Contact
Lenses. One-third (33%) identified themselves as contact lens
wearers, while 12 percent admit to having dropped out of contacts
because of allergies. The majority of contact lens wearing
respondents report that they replace their lenses monthly (45%) or
every one to two weeks (38%). Paul Karpecki, O.D., F.A.A.O.,
Clinical Director, Kofler Vision Group, Lexington, Kentucky says he
is not surprised to learn that two out of three (66%) say they find
it very uncomfortable to wear their contacts while suffering from
eye allergy symptoms. "Allergy sufferers who wear contact lenses
that you use for two weeks or more may experience discomfort and
symptoms such as ocular itching, tearing, and redness because
allergens and other irritants can build up on contact lenses over
time, he says. "This can lead to discomfort and interference with
job performance, school, and sports activities." For allergy
sufferers who want to remain in contacts, Dr. Karpecki recommends
single-use contact lenses - daily disposable lenses that you throw
away at the end of the day. "Studies have shown that single use
contacts, such as 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) can be a healthy and
more comfortable option for any lens wearer with eye allergies," he
explains. "By putting in a clean, fresh lens every day, one-day
contacts minimize the potential for accumulation of allergens and
irritants that can often accumulate with repeated use of the same
pair of lenses." Other major findings from the survey show: --
Spring was identified by 67% of respondents as the most troublesome
time of year for eye-related allergies. Over half (51%) say they
experience eye allergy symptoms all year long. One-quarter of all
respondents (26%) report Fall as the worst time for eye allergies
-- Half of women surveyed (52%) report that their eyes are so itchy
as a result of their allergies that it causes them to rub their
eyes and rub off makeup -- About four in ten (39%) of allergy
sufferers say they have consulted with an allergy specialist about
their eye-related allergy symptoms. They also report consulting
with their Family Practitioner (28%), Optometrist (28%), or
Ophthalmologist (28%) To help allergy sufferers better understand
and manage the condition, AAFA offers a free educational brochure
titled Eye Health & Allergies. The brochure, which also
includes a free* trial certificate for by 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R),
can be viewed or downloaded at http://www.aafa.org/eyeallergies or
http://www.acuvue.com/seasons. Clinical research has shown when
worn on a daily disposable basis, 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) and other daily
disposable etafilcon A contact lenses such as 1-DAY ACUVUE(R)
MOIST(R) may provide improved comfort for many patients suffering
from mild discomfort and/or itching associated with allergies
during contact lens wear compared to lenses replaced at intervals
of greater than 2 weeks. ACUVUE(R) Brand Contact Lenses are
indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye
problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may
experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should
not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience
eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other
eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information.
Complete information is also available from VISTAKON(R), Division
of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling
1-800-843-2020 or by visiting http://www.acuvue.com/. *Professional
exam and fitting fees not included. Valid only while supplies last
1-DAY ACUVUE(R) and 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) are trademarks of
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Dr. Karpecki is a paid
consultant for VISTAKON(R) DATASOURCE: VISTAKON, Division of
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. CONTACT: Gary Esterow,
VISTAKON(R), +1-904-629-6232, ; or Melissa Barredo, Rpr Marketing
Communications, +1-212-317-1462, ; or Angel Waldron, Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America, +1-202-466-7643 x248, Web Site:
http://www.jnjvision.com/
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