Survey finds eye allergy sufferers are self-conscious about allergy-related symptoms

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Eye allergy sufferers suffer from more than just the sniffles and sneezes, a recent survey conducted by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America found.

About 40% of female allergy sufferers surveyed said their red and puffy eyes made them look tired and unattractive, and for those who wear contact lenses, 50% switch to glasses when their eye allergies flare and 45% wear their contacts less often.

“Having to stop wearing their contacts or wear them less frequently creates a wide range of emotions among allergy sufferers,” stated Mike Tringale, director of external affairs, AAFA. “Contact lens wearers say they feel less attractive when wearing their glasses (37%), unhappy (35%), less confident without their contacts (29%), and less able to perform activities as well as when they are wearing their contact lenses (26%).”

Spring was identified by 67% of respondents as the most troublesome time of year for eye-related allergies, and 26% claimed fall as the worst season for eye allergies. And more than half (51%) reported they experienced eye allergy symptoms all year long.

About 39% of allergy sufferers consulted with an allergy specialist about their eye-related allergy symptoms; 28% sought counsel with their family practitioner, 28% their optometrist and 28% their ophthalmologist.

The online survey of more than 800 people was supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.