Keep an Eye on Allergies This Season

New 'Eye Health and Allergies' Brochure from Asthma and Allergy Foundation of
America Offers Advice for Eye Allergy Sufferers; Includes Seasonal Strategies
for Contact Lens Wearers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- An estimated 50 million
Americans suffer from the miseries of allergies, with allergic reactions
involving the eyes a common complaint. For many, symptoms of eye allergies can
be so uncomfortable and irritating that they interfere with job performance,
impede leisure-time and sports activities, and curtail vacations.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080417/CLTH011 )
To help allergy sufferers better understand and manage the condition, the
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the leading patient
organization for people with asthma and allergies, is offering a free
educational brochure titled "Eye Health and Allergies." The brochure can be
viewed or downloaded at www.aafa.org .
"Approximately four percent of allergy sufferers experience eye allergies
as their primary allergy, often caused by many of the same triggers as
indoor/outdoor allergies such as pollen, mold, or pet dander," says Mike
Tringale, Director of External Affairs, AAFA. "This brochure offers useful
information on how eye allergies occur, common signs and symptoms, and
practical advice on how to treat and prevent eye allergies."
The brochure, supported by 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) Brand Contact Lenses,
also includes smart allergy season strategies for the nation's 40 million
contact lens wearers, a group for whom eye allergies can use unique problems.
"Allergy sufferers who wear contact lenses that you use for two weeks or
more may experience discomfort and symptoms such as ocular itching, tearing,
and redness, because allergens and other irritants can build up on the lenses
over time, explains New York-based Optometrist Susan Resnick, O.D., F.A.A.O.
"Chemical disinfectants and preservatives used in some contact lens care
systems also can cause ocular distress."
To help minimize these symptoms, contact lens wearers can limit their
wearing time during allergy season, but Dr. Resnick says there is no need to
discontinue contact lens wear during the allergy season.
"Studies have shown that single use contacts -- daily disposable lenses
that you throw away at the end of the day -- can be a healthy and more
comfortable option for many people with eye allergies," she notes. "By putting
in a clean, fresh lens every day, one-day contacts minimize the potential for
accumulation of allergens and irritants that can often accumulate with
repeated use of the same pair of lenses."
In a three-year study(1) comparing the clinical performance of daily
disposables (1-DAY ACUVUE(R) Brand Contact Lenses) with that of conventional
daily-wear lenses, single-use lens wearers reported fewer symptoms of redness,
cloudy vision, and grittiness; at the same time, they reported better vision
and overall satisfaction, and had fewer lens surface deposits, complications,
or unscheduled doctor's visits.
To help allergy sufferers who would like to start wearing or continue
wearing contact lenses, the brochure, along with a free trial-pair
certificate* for 1-day ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) Brand Contact Lenses, is also
available at www.acuvue.com/seasons.
"When worn on a daily disposable basis, 1-day acuvue MOIST may provide
improved comfort for two out of three patients suffering from mild discomfort
associated with allergies during contact lens wear compared with those wearing
two-week lenses," says Dr. Resnick.
1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST Brand Contact Lenses are available by prescription only
for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact
lenses are right for individual patients. Although rare, serious eye problems
can develop. To help avoid these problems, patients should follow the wear and
replacement schedule and the lens-care instructions provided by their eye
doctor. Individuals should not wear lenses if they have an eye infection or
experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness, or
other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, they should contact
their eye doctor immediately. For further information, talk to your eye care
professional or call 1-800-843-2020 or visit www.acuvue.com.
* Professional exam and fitting fees not included. Valid only while
supplies last.
(1) Solomon OD, Freeman MJ, et al. "A 3-year prospective study of the
clinical performance of daily disposable contact lenses compared with
frequent replacement and conventional daily wear contact lenses." CLAO
J, 1996; 22:250-7.

ACUVUE(R) and 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson
Vision Care, Inc.
SOURCE VISTAKON, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Gary Esterow, of VISTAKON, +1-908-216-5200, gester1@visus.jnj.com; or Melissa
Barredo, of Rpr Marketing Communications, +1-212-317-1462,
melissa.barredo@rprny.com; or Melissa Donnelly, of Asthma and Allergy
Foundation of America, +1-202-466-7643, x237, Melissa@aafa.org