Ask contact lens users Trouble and remedies for eye allergic symptoms associated with hay fever
Johnson End Johnson will clarify the issues and actual conditions surrounding contact lens users in light of the fact that about one in two Japanese contact lens wearers suffers from allergic symptoms such as itchy eyes and congestion. For this purpose, 900 men and women in their teens to 50s nationwide who wear contact lenses with allergic symptoms of hay fever are asked to see the contact lens wearing situation and worries during the allergic season associated with hay fever. We conducted an awareness and fact-finding survey on.
1) Worries and countermeasures due to eye allergic symptoms associated with hay fever
When asked about their experiences of suffering from eye allergic symptoms associated with hay fever, "it became difficult to put in contact lenses" (25.5%), "the symptoms did not improve even with eye drops" (23.9%), Answers such as "I can't let go of eye drops" (21.8%) and "I have given up on using contact lenses" (21.3%) were obtained.
In addition, the most common self-care for eye allergic symptoms was "switching from contact lenses to glasses" at 33.6%, followed by "using an air purifier" (24.1%) and "pollen of clothes". The answers were "Shake off" (22.0%) and "Wash your eyes diligently" (21.8%).
2) Contact lens usage
Approximately 70% (69.0%) of people have used contact lenses at their own discretion when they have eye allergic symptoms associated with hay fever.
The most common reason was "I thought the symptoms were not enough to consult" at 37.5%, followed by "I had to wear contact lenses" at 34.0%.
More than 1 in 4 people (28.3%) who used contact lenses at their own discretion answered that their allergic symptoms worsened.
In addition, the reason why they had to use contact lenses at their own discretion was that "because I have trouble with my eyesight and vision as usual" was the highest at 46.3%, followed by "it is difficult to wear glasses due to work movements".・ Because it is difficult ”(26.9%),“ I had to wear contact lenses for work ”(25.1%).
67.6% said they would like to use contact lenses even if they have eye allergies associated with hay fever. 42.6% said they would like to use contact lenses even if they have severe allergic symptoms.
While there is a need to use contact lenses even during the allergic season, it was found that caution should be exercised when using them at their own discretion.
3) Whether or not to consult an ophthalmologist
Despite the allergic symptoms of the eyes associated with hay fever, 76.1% had not visited an ophthalmologist *. The reasons for this were "I didn't think the symptoms were enough to consult" (37.1%), "It was troublesome to see a doctor" (34.1%), and "I didn't have time to see a doctor" (27.5%). ..
In addition, 61.7% of the respondents answered that they did not consult about eye allergic symptoms associated with pollinosis even when they visited an ophthalmologist who purchased contact lenses.
The top reasons for not consulting were "I thought the symptoms were not enough to consult" (41.8%) and "I did not have a medical examination during the period of hay fever" (34.2%). * People who did not choose an ophthalmology department in a clinical department that had a medical examination despite the condition of eye allergies associated with hay fever.
4) Situation at the time of ophthalmology consultation
At the time of the ophthalmology consultation, 54.5% of the respondents answered that they had been instructed by a doctor to "stop using contact lenses" because of allergic symptoms of the eyes associated with hay fever.
Of these, 37.9% "discontinued" contact lenses, 57.6% "reduced", and 4.5% "did not discontinue".
It was found that 34.1% of those who did not follow the instructions of the doctors who answered "reduced use" and "did not stop using" had experience of worsening symptoms.
5) Consciousness after seeing an ophthalmologist
Of those who consulted an ophthalmologist for allergic symptoms of the eyes associated with hay fever, 79.3% were happy to see an ophthalmologist. As for the reason why I think it was good, "because eye drops for allergic symptoms of the eyes were prescribed and the symptoms improved" was the top with 60.4%.
Next, 39.6% answered, "Because I was able to improve the symptoms that could not be cured by coping with my own judgment." As for changes in consciousness after seeing an ophthalmologist, "I thought I would go to the clinic while allergic symptoms of the eyes were mild" (50.4%) was the highest, followed by "I thought I would go to an ophthalmologist before the pollen started to fly" (50.4%). 40.5%)), "I thought I would go to an ophthalmologist if I had some eye allergic symptoms" (35.5%).
Comments from specialists
"Maintain eye health by seeing an ophthalmologist early for the allergic season such as pollinosis"
Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Urayasu Hospital, Juntendo University School of Medicine
Dr. Nobuyuki Ebihara Ophthalmologist / Doctor of Medicine Director of Japanese Society of Allergology, Chairman of Japanese Society of Allergology, Councilor of Japanese Ophthalmological Society, Councilor of Japanese Society of Ophthalmology
Even if you experience symptoms such as itching in your eyes during the allergic season, there are many people who wear contact lenses at their own discretion because of the needs of wearing and having to wear contact lenses in their daily lives.
In this survey as well, it was found that about 70% of those who use contact lenses on a daily basis with allergic symptoms of the eyes have worn contact lenses at their own discretion. I have. Moreover, about 30% of them answered that their eye allergic symptoms had worsened.
Ophthalmologists advise you to stop using contact lenses and shorten your wearing time if you have eye allergies.
The reason is that the friction between the contact lens and the conjunctiva reduces the barrier function of the conjunctiva, making it easier for pollen to penetrate and exacerbating allergic conjunctivitis.
If inflammation continues, huge nipples (projections) will form on the conjunctiva on the back of the upper eyelid, and even if you wear contact lenses, they will shift upward and you will not be able to wear contact lenses.
To prevent this from happening, especially if you want to use contact lenses as much as possible, see an ophthalmologist early before pollen starts to fly or when you have symptoms of hay fever. It is important to take measures as soon as possible so that the degree of symptom becomes lighter.
Even if you see an ophthalmologist after your eye symptoms have worsened, you have no choice but to discontinue contact lenses.
In this survey as well, many of the people who visited an ophthalmologist for allergic symptoms of the eyes answered, "I'm glad I went to an ophthalmologist," mainly because I was able to deal with them effectively.
In order to maintain the health of your eyes and live comfortably according to each person's lifestyle and needs, please consult with an ophthalmologist before the pollen season begins or before you have eye symptoms.
It's also a good idea to find a family ophthalmologist to maintain your precious eye health in your 100-year life.
Survey results Survey outline Survey period: December 3, 2021 (Friday) to December 12, 2021 (Sunday) Survey method: Internet survey Survey target: Male and female teenagers (15-19) nationwide among survey company registered monitors Conducted for people in their 50s who wear contact lenses 4 days or more a week and have allergic symptoms of pollinosis. Valid responses: 900 (male: 450, female: 450) * Rounded to the first decimal place. Since the calculation is done up to the first decimal place, the total ratio may not be 100%.
Related information: https://acuvuevision.jp/memamori/topics/allergy
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