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Suggest Treatment For Sever Allergy After Laser Surgery For Glaucoma
Question: I was treated in 2009 for closed angle glaucoma by means of laser surgery on the iris in each eye. I just got back from a walkin clinic because I was having what I took to be a severe allergic reaction to something unknown in my left eye. I had been taking Alaway, Zyrtec, Claratin and last night at bed I took a benedryl to try and counter act the allergy. I am also taking Advil and Phenylephryn as anti imflamatories. The walk in clinic told me that they could not give me anything because I don't have an infection and antihistamines of any type are contra indicated in people who have been treated for closed angle glaucoma. I am wondering if there is an over the counter anti inflamatory eye drop that I can take to help reduce swelling and itching.
I did not realize that taking allergy meds could actually cause eye problems in my case.
I did not realize that taking allergy meds could actually cause eye problems in my case.
Brief Answer:
Few anti-allergic medicines can cause angle closure glaucoma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic
I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I will be answering your question.
I reviewed your history.
It seems from the history that you are having allergic reaction in left eye.
Since there is history of closed angle glaucoma in your case you need to avoid drugs which dilate the pupils.
Most of the anti-allergic drugs can cause dilatation of pupil and because of fear of an attack of angle closure glaucoma caused by dilatation of pupil, these drugs have to be used carefully.
Phenylephrine is an adrenergic drug and it is potent dilating agent hence it should be avoided.
The other eye drops like alaway which contains ketotifen, zyrtec which contains cetrizine and claratin which contain loratadine are less commonly asscoiated with this side effect of dilatation of the pupil hence they can be used.
Since you have already undergone laser iris surgery in the form of iridotomy, the above mentioned drugs can be used but you need to avoid potent dilating drugs like phenyl ephrine.
I usually prefer to use anti-allergic eye drops like olopatadine and it is less commonly associated with dilatation of pupil and you can use this for symptomatic relief from itching.
Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.
Thank you
Few anti-allergic medicines can cause angle closure glaucoma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic
I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I will be answering your question.
I reviewed your history.
It seems from the history that you are having allergic reaction in left eye.
Since there is history of closed angle glaucoma in your case you need to avoid drugs which dilate the pupils.
Most of the anti-allergic drugs can cause dilatation of pupil and because of fear of an attack of angle closure glaucoma caused by dilatation of pupil, these drugs have to be used carefully.
Phenylephrine is an adrenergic drug and it is potent dilating agent hence it should be avoided.
The other eye drops like alaway which contains ketotifen, zyrtec which contains cetrizine and claratin which contain loratadine are less commonly asscoiated with this side effect of dilatation of the pupil hence they can be used.
Since you have already undergone laser iris surgery in the form of iridotomy, the above mentioned drugs can be used but you need to avoid potent dilating drugs like phenyl ephrine.
I usually prefer to use anti-allergic eye drops like olopatadine and it is less commonly associated with dilatation of pupil and you can use this for symptomatic relief from itching.
Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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