Managing spring allergies for optimized myopia control

Spring allergies can potentially affect myopia control routine. Explore options to manage allergies and adopt beneficial practices. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Spring has arrived, bringing sunshine, outdoor fun, and, unfortunately, allergy season. As my son gets ready to head outside, I can’t help but worry about how his allergies might interfere with his myopia control. Red, irritated eyes and discomfort often mean skipping a night of Ortho-K wear, which can throw off his routine. In this article, I’ll be sharing key considerations for managing spring allergies while keeping up with myopia control. Let’s dive in.

Myopia control treatment and spring allergies

If you're a parent of a child with myopia, you likely share my concern about whether spring allergies might affect the effectiveness of your child’s myopia control treatments. Let's examine the following treatment options and consider their potential implications:

Soft contact lenses for myopia control: Since treatment outcomes it depends on the wearing time of these lenses, having spring allergies and wearing these lenses part time may reduce their treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, wearing contact lenses also may worsen irritation or dryness associated with spring allergies, making myopia control treatment difficult to maintain while having spring allergy. 

Daily disposable options like MiSight provide the benefit of a fresh, clean lens every day, minimizing allergen buildup. If your child is using monthly or three-month replacement multifocal lenses, consider strategies such as increasing replacement frequency, maintaining a strict cleaning regimen, or even switching to daily disposable multifocal lenses.

Additionally, many allergy eye drops can be safely used with soft contact lenses; it's important to carefully follow label instructions, including the recommended re-insertion time, and seek advice from a healthcare professional. 

If your child experiences eye irritation due to allergies, you may also want to switch to glasses to ease symptom aggravation.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): The severity of spring allergies on Ortho-K treatment seems to depend on how effectively allergens are kept out of the house and the severity of the allergy symptoms due to daytime exposure. 

You may want to consider having your child take a shower and wash off any pollen after getting home, as well as ensure that his lenses are thoroughly cleaned in the morning after wearing them.

Fortunately, parents can keep an eye in the evening when wearing Ortho-K lenses and promptly remove them in case of any discomfort. If your child experiences eye irritation due to allergies, it may be necessary to temporarily discontinue Ortho-K wear for a night or two and manage the allergy symptoms. 

In my experience, when my son suffers from allergy symptoms, wearing Ortho-K lenses becomes challenging due to persistent eye itching, dry eyes, and heightened lens awareness. In such cases, I would temporarily halt Ortho-K treatment for the night and rely on atropine to manage his nearsightedness while also addressing his allergy. 

Myopia control glasses: If your child has frequent and serious spring allergies, myopia control glasses, like MyioSmart or Stellest, may be the preferred option. These glasses can help correct their vision, reduce the worsening of nearsightedness, and don't trap allergens in eyes like contact lenses.

Treatment options for spring allergies

There are several over-the-counter medications that can effectively alleviate the symptoms of spring allergies. However, depending on the type of myopia control treatment your child is undergoing, certain allergy treatments should be avoided. It's important to consult with your healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment for your child.

Artificial tears: Spring allergies often lead to dry eyes, causing discomfort and irritation. Using artificial tears can maintain eye moisture and flush out irritants. Opt for non-gel or non-ointment types, typically labeled as long-lasting or providing extended relief. Preservative-free artificial tears are advisable to prevent dryness. Frequent use, sometimes every two hours, can prevent antigens from adhering to contact lenses.

Nasal sprays: Steroid nasal sprays may effectively reduce nasal passage swelling and congestion-related irritation. Pediatric formulations of fluticasone propionate, fluticasone furoate, and triamcinolone are available. While they don't offer immediate relief like antihistamines, consistent use over days or up to two weeks brings relief. Some sprays, like azelastine, may induce drowsiness and might not be suitable.

Allergy-specific eye drops: These medicines alleviate allergy symptoms affecting the eyes by preventing overreaction to allergens and offering quick relief. They often contain antihistamines like pheniramine or naphazoline to block histamines or mast-cell stabilizers to prevent allergic reactions. However, they may increase eye dryness, so it is common to use them alongside preservative-free artificial tears.

Oral antihistamines: Available in pill or liquid form, oral antihistamines alleviate spring allergy symptoms. However, they can worsen dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production. Some, like diphenhydramine or Benadryl, may induce sleepiness and might not be suitable for children.

(Learn more about good habits for managing dry eyes)

Tips to help manage spring allergies

Here are some tips you can take to manage your child's spring allergies and ease their discomfort:

Check the pollen level: Before planning outdoor activities, check the pollen forecast for your area. Limit outdoor time on high-pollen days and schedule activities when pollen levels are lower, such as in the evening or after rainfall. 

Keep the pollens out: Ensure your windows are sealed to prevent drafts and pollen infiltration. During high-pollen seasons, keep windows closed and use air conditioning for cooling to reduce pollen exposure.

Eliminate allergens: Regularly clean your home to reduce allergen buildup. Use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clean floors, window sills, and surfaces. This can help remove pollen particles and other allergens and reduce your child's exposure to them.

Maintain hygiene: Encourage your child to change clothes and wash off after outdoor play to limit pollen entry into the home. Promote similar habits among family members to reduce overall allergen exposure.

Try nasal irrigation: Nasal irrigation with a squeeze bottle can help flush pollens from your child's nose and relieve congestion. Use a saline or irrigation solution and follow instructions carefully for safe and effective use.

Consult a doctor: If allergy symptoms persist, seek medical advice. Your doctor can identify allergy triggers and recommend appropriate treatment, including prescription options for symptom relief.

Key takeaways

It's natural to worry about how spring allergies might affect your child's myopia control treatment. However, rest assured that with precautions and considerations, you can manage their allergies and minimize the impact on myopia control. Remember to consult with your healthcare professional to tailor a suitable management plan for your child's needs.

May this spring bring beautiful skies and bright daylight, offering children an opportunity to enjoy outdoor play and clearer sights.

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