Indiana Eye Doctor Reports New Eye Allergy Test Helps Diagnose & Treat Red Itchy Eyes

"The number of patients with red, itchy, watery eye symptoms who call and come to see us at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center is a bit overwhelming this time of year," shared Scott Buck, M.D. End Quote

Michigan City-La Porte, IN (1888PressRelease) May 06, 2015 - The diagnosis and treatment of red itchy eyes and eye allergies might seem pretty simple but identifying the underlying cause of the allergy can be difficult and confusing. "While these symptoms are pretty typical of eye allergies, they can easily be confused with dry eye or ocular surface disease from other problems. Even with a meticulous exam of the eye's surface and tissue we can sometimes find it difficult to tell the difference between ocular allergy and dry eye disease-and this can make the treatment confusing," said Dr. Scott Buck at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center with offices in Valparaiso and Knox, Indiana.

"We have fairly good methods for dry eye testing and diagnosis, but when it comes to eye allergy testing up until now trying to find the cause of eye allergies and itchy eyes often required intradermal testing by an allergist. These skin tests use a series of needles and injections to try and find the underlying cause. This hasn't been terribly comfortable or convenient for patients and so they have been hesitant to get the necessary testing done," explained Dr. Buck. "Today, we are really in a better place in that we can use a novel, FDA approved, pain-free way to test if a patient is allergic to up to 60 different ocular allergens with "no needle and no injections."

About the New Liquid Antigen Eye Allergy Test
The new eye allergy test uses liquid antigens on a plastic applicator that is placed on the patient's forearm with gentle pressure-and it provides results in less than 15 minutes. If the patient is allergic to a particular allergen there is a small hive that forms on their forearm. By more accurately determining if and to which antigens a patient is allergic to it gives the doctor the ability to identify where they might be present in the patient's environment and deal with them accordingly, along with the eye symptoms and signs of the allergy. This in office testing is covered by almost all major health insurance companies.

"When we are able to get to the actual cause of the allergies and the associated symptoms we are then able to recommend the best possible course of treatment. This can be as simple as counseling and advising the patient to remove and avoid the source of the allergen in their home or workplace or might require over the counter or prescription oral antihistamines alone or with antihistamine or steroid eye drops," noted Dr. Buck. "The important thing to know is that if you have allergies there is really no need to suffer from red, itchy, watery eyes as you most likely can benefit from the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of these problems."

To learn more about Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center you may call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 866-522-3937, visit http://www.nwindianaeyeandlaser.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser or follow our eye care blog.

CONTACT: Kelley Connors, Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, Phone: 866-522-3937 or email, kelley ( @ ) drsbuck dot com

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com
http://www.seewithlasik.com

###

Visit Northwest Indiana Eye And Laser Center Website

space