Managing ocular symptoms of hay fever – simple can be effective

For those who suffer with allergies, it is estimated that around one in five will experience ocular symptoms.² A survey of almost 2,000 patients attending UK optometric practices in the West Midlands recorded a report of at least one allergy in 13% and ocular allergy in 8% of the participants: three quarters of those with ocular symptoms reported use of medication, but only 11% of this group had received advice from an optometrist.³

This study suggests that the average full-time optometrist meets more than 250 patients each year that could certainly benefit from advice about how to manage ocular symptoms related to allergy, but such patients do not tend to seek or receive it. Allergies can have a significant impact on work and school performance, quality of life and even driving.^4,5 Given that the market for hay fever remedies was worth more than £56m in 2012, perhaps there may be at least a business reason to apply our professionalism to this significant group of patients if not purely a clinical one.