The risk of developing serious eye disease during the pollen season is increased by continuous exposure to year-round allergens that cause asthma, chronic hay fever, eczema and conjunctivitis. Allergen avoidance is strongly recommended to reduce the risk. Avoidance of aggressive allergens, such as from mite enzymes, is noted in this excellent paper. The eye is probably the most common site for development of allergic-inflammation because eye irritants, including allergens, are easily deposited directly onto the surface of the eye.
Other than the release of repellent mediators such as histamine (making the eye red, sore or itchy) the eye has no mechanical barrier to prevent the impact that allergens create. To make matters worse, tears themselves, bearing allergens absorbed from other parts of the body, may carry them onto the eye. During the pollen season therefore it is important for patients who suffer from pollen allergies and allergic disorders such as chronic hay fever, eczema or asthma, to be diligent in practicing allergen avoidance.
Aggressive enzymes from house dust mites are a major cause of allergy worldwide. In the United States of America alone, the prevalence of allergies ranges from as high as 30% to 50% of the population.
Website note: cross-reactivity in allergy is common. If you are allergic to grass pollen it may be wise to avoid eating wheat during the grass pollen season because wheat is a cultivated grass and your immune system may recognize the similarity. References: ŽAllergic Diseases of the EyeŽ, Dr. Leonard Bielory, The Medical Clinics of North America, 90 (2006): pages 129-148 |
