Hay Fever and AMD

I have extrafoveal CNV in my left eye and dry amd in right with cataracts in both , my problem in the last year is that I seem to have developed hay fever, and now my eyes seem to burn for most of the summer. I take antihistamine tablets and use eye drops , use my sunglasses most of the time, but to go out and about causes discomfort to say the least, is there anyone out there with the same problem and if so , do you have any tips to pass on ?

[2468G]

Hi molly0345

Only just seen your post.

I too have suffered from hayfever in the past and I think you are doing beneficial things for your eyes. I put thin pieces of cucumber on my eyes for 5 minutes when they get itchy. I also found using the nose drops you inhale useful. You must do it first thing in the morning for maximum benefit.

Hayfever is really irritating you have my sympathy. Hopefully if you have it now you won't suffer later In the summer. I usually just have it in the spring for a couple of weeks.

[Hidden in reply to 2468G]

Thanks 2468G, Someimes I wonder if it is hayfever as this just started recently at my advanced age of 76, but just talking to other people who have his condition it can come on at any time. i am thinking of getting overshields to put over my glasses to help with tle glare, and the hayfever eye drops help. the cucumber slices are cooling and soothe my poor eyes. I wish I had taken more care when I was younger. Hope this does'nt last too.long.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear molly0345,

In terms of the sunglasses aspect, individuals with a macular related condition tend to develop a heightened sensitivity to glare. The glare is produced by the blue light in the spectrum. Ordinary sunglasses protect against the UV but not the blue light. Therefore, individuals can find that they can end up trying to eradicate the discomfort from the glare by wearing ordinary sunglasses which are too dark for the lighting conditions, thereby obscuring their vision. The way to potentially address this is to choose spectacles from the anti-glare protection range, as they both protect against the blue light in the spectrum and the UV, and come in a range of shades. Therefore, an individual can either choose to purchase one shade or various for different lighting conditions.

Anti-glare protection comes in a variety of styles of frames; however, fit-overs are handy when an individual already wears spectacles.

In terms of colour choice, as an indication, e.g. yellow anti-glare fit-overs are generally good for indoor use as they do not reduce the amount of light coming in; reduce glare, increase contrast and definition. They are also suitable for outdoor use on a dull day when glare may still be an issue, but there is not adequate natural light to wear a darker shade. On a brighter day out an orange pair of fit-overs may be advisable, followed by an amber pair on a very bright day out.

I have copied a link to our booklet, Protecting your eyes:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Please contact us if you would like to receive suppliers details.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments:

macularsociety.org/6months

The Macular Society Advice and Information service is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,