This literature review presents a number of studies review will analys the available evidence to determineto investigate if it is possible for indiv

Aim:

This literature review presents a number of studies review will analys the available evidence to determineto investigate if it is possible for individuals suffering with hay fever to wear contact lenses. The incidence of hayfever has been more widespread in recent years, impacting a significant percentage of the global population. Hay fever, which is characterised by symptoms including itching, sneezing and nasal congestion, has been thoroughly researched in terms of its effects on respiratory health but very little research has been done regarding its impact on ocular health, especially when considering contact lens wear. Closing this gap is important for the health of those who wear contact lenses and have hay fever, as well as for the field of optometry and allergy care in general. This dissertation asks the following question to explore this understudied connection: Can you wear contact lenses if you have hay fever? This will be in the context of eye health and vision. By examining this junction, the aim is to provide important insights that can improve awareness and understanding of the difficulties that contact lens wearers suffering with hay fever encounter. Additionally, this review aims to not only pinpoint problems but also suggest practical solutions and preventative measures, including useful advice for people who wear contact lenses and are dealing with hay fever symptoms.

The findings are intended to benefit both the daily lives of contact lens wearers who deal with hay fever and the scholarly conversation around ocular health.

Methodology:

This review aims to establish a relationship between hay fever and contact lens wear and utilises quantitative and qualitative secondary data to gain better understanding of the connection. The methodology used will consist of a thorough literature review and investigation of relevant research studies. The combination of these will provide a deeper knowledge of the complexities involved. Possible allergic reactions, discomfort and complications that may occur when hay fever sufferers decide to wear contact lenses will also be examined.

What is hay fever?

Approximately one in three individuals in Europe will be affected by an allergy at some point in their lives (Optician Online, 2005), making it a common problem. Allergies are becoming increasingly prevalent; in the UK, 44% of adults and 50% of children report having at least one allergy, and this percentage is increasing by about 5% each year (Allergy Clinic London, 2021). Anyone experiencing symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion as a result of allergies is often referred to as having allergic rhinitis. There are two types of allergic rhinitis, the first being perennial allergic rhinitis which is a year-round ongoing issue brought on by dust mites or other indoor allergens.

The second is seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, which is brought on by an allergy to mould spores, grasses, weeds or tree pollen. In industrialised areas, hay fever affects around one in four people and typically appears before the age of 20 (Informed Health, 2020). In addition to runny or stuffy noses and sneezing, more severe symptoms might make people feel weak and exhausted. Eyelids can become swollen, and patients can sometimes have watery, itchy eyes this condition is known as allergic rhino conjunctivitis. Additional symptoms of hay fever include wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, which are also symptoms of asthma. Symptoms are produced when the immune system goes into overdrive due to the body overeating to pollen. Initially, pollen-specific antibodies are generated and bound to specific cells. These cells will then respond by releasing chemicals (e.g. histamine) if they come into contact with pollen again and it is these chemicals that cause allergic reactions.

Although there is yet no cure for hay fever (NHS Inform, 2023), most patients may at least somewhat alleviate their symptoms with medication. Avoiding pollen exposure is the best method to manage hay fever, but this is almost impossible in the summer. Corticosteroids, which assist to decrease inflammation and swelling, and antihistamines, which help to avoid an allergic reaction, are options. Immunotherapy is another kind of treatment for severe and chronic hay fever that entails gradually exposing patients to small amounts of pollen this increases immunity to the allergenic effects of pollen.

Simple measures like wearing wraparound sunglasses to shield eyes from pollen, showering and changing clothes after being outside to wash away pollen, staying inside during high pollen counts, and dabbing nasal passages with a small amount of Vaseline can all help prevent the symptoms of hay fever.

Contact lenses:

Contact lenses are thin, transparent plastic discs that are inserted into the eye to correct refractive problems, enhance eyesight (Boyd, 2023) and correct irregularities of the corneal surface (Gurnani and Kaur, 2023). For those who have presbyopia, hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism, they can improve vision. Numerous parameters, including overall diameter, base curve and power, are used to characterise contact lenses. They also come in a variety of forms which include soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable contact lenses.Soft contact lenses:Soft contact lenses are usually quite comfortable to wear. They often rest on the sclera, cover the whole iris and cornea, and are bigger in size than gas permeable lenses. They are the most fitted contact lenses today (BCLA, 2024). Their frequency of replacement or wearing schedule serves as a description. Replacement can occur every day (most common soft lenses are daily disposables), every two weeks, every month, or occasionally longer. Soft contact lenses are available in a range of materials, powers and designs to correct nearly all types of vision, and as they contain water, they must be maintained in contact lens solutions to keep them from drying out.Silicone hydrogels are a new type of soft contact lens that are better for the eye because they let more oxygen into the eye than earlier soft lens materials did. As well as these, toric, multifocal and bifocal soft lenses are available. There are also some soft lenses used for cosmetic purposes (coloured and special-effect soft lenses), and most soft lenses have some UV protection incorporated onto them.Rigid contact lenses:Though several advancements have been made to let more oxygen travel through the material, rigid contact lenses have been around longer than soft contact lenses. There are several materials, powers and designs available for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. While RGP lenses are less common, some contact lens professionals still think they provide a healthier alternative to soft contact lenses for long-term, continuous use (BCLA, 2024). Compared to soft contact lenses, they are more effective at correcting uneven eye shapes and are often more durable, requiring replacement only every six to twelve months. RGP wearers report comfort, although acclimation takes somewhat longer than with soft contact lenses. Gas permeable lenses can be used to correct astigmatism and come in bifocal and multifocal options. Ordinarily they are worn every day, but a new procedure known as orthokeratology involves wearing specially made RGP lenses overnight and removing them during the day. By changing the curvature of the cornea to minimise or correct short sight, the goal is to lessen the need for contact lenses or spectacles during the waking hours. Effects of hay fever on contact lens wear:

A positive history of allergies is common among patients who consult an optician for contact lens fittings. Around 15-20% of people worldwide suffer from hay fever, and 40-60% of these individuals have ocular symptoms (Pitt et al, 2004). The issue becomes worse in the spring, when there is an increase in allergen exposure and heightened allergic responses.

Even with all the advantages of contact lenses, wearing them can be uncomfortable due to several unfavourable events that can occur since the lens is essentially a foreign object on the cornea, so can potentially harm the structures of the eyeball. Corneal hypoxia, hyperaemia, microinjuries, decreased corneal metabolism rate, changes in the mitotic index level, and damage to the corneal epitheliums integrity are the most frequent issues (Lemp and Bielory, 2008).nThe weakening of the tear film and the evaporative loss of water from the cornea are caused by contact lenses. In fact, water is drawn out of the cornea by soft contact lenses, particularly those composed of materials with high water content. The effects of contact lenses on the anterior eye are minimal when the tear film has an appropriate volume and composition. However, individuals with lacrimal gland dysfunction have been known to experience excruciating discomfort and dry eye syndrome; this condition has been reported in 20-30% of people who wear soft contact lenses and around 80% of people who wear rigid contact lenses (Tomlinson, 2006). For hay fever sufferers who take antihistamine medications, this pain gets worse (Welch et al, 2000). Antihistamines of the first and second generations inhibit histamine receptors, which also reduces mucus output and the aqueous layers of the tear film. The tear film only appears to be unaffected by recent antihistamine formulations, such as bilastine (Jauregui, 2012). Levocetirizine and cetirizine, among other antihistamine medications, have a negligible effect on the tear film (Wolff et al). therefore, regularly lubricating the ocular surface with preservative-free eye drop is a crucial part of using contact lenses properly.

Solutions:

There are several options available that can help to reduce ocular surface irritation (resulting from hay fever) and maintain successful lens wear, so these patients do not automatically have to discontinue contact lens wear.

Mostly well written but be careful to use academic language. Avoid first person, the use of I,they, we, them and do not use contractions.Remember your audience. You can assume a base level of knowledge so do not waste words explaining concepts such as soft contact lenses etc.Remember your title. Everything you do needs to either directly, or indirectly, address your title.This reads like an essay. So far you have not mentioned any studies. You need to focus on studies and you will get more marks if you critique those studies rather than simply reporting on the findings. Consider the sample size, demographics of the participants, other environmental or lifestyle factors, duration etc. Do the results support the conclusions they make. Was the design of the study robust? Do other studies support the findings. If you can find 2 studies that contradict each other then this gives you more to compare and talk about. You will need to find research that both supports other research and contradicts each other so that you can produce an unbiased review of the literature. the aim is to show that you can objectively look at the evidence and come to your own conclusion and not simply accept what is said. Remember that everything you say as fact needs a reference. You will need around 50 references for a piece of work this large.Think about your structure and flow.

Can you wear contact lenses if you have hayfever?

Maybe an introduction but not sure what to put yet

Contact lenses:

Explain what contact lenses are alternative to glasses, can provide refractive correction, placed directly on eye etc.

Briefly mention different types of contact lenses and explain what they do soft, rigid, scleral, multifocal

Importance of hygiene with contact lenses

Briefly mention different materials used for contact lenses hydrogel, silicone hydrogel, PMMA etc.

Factors that can affect CL wear long list of them but narrow down to most important ones main one here being allergies, most importantly hayfeverWhat is hayfever?

Explain the 2 types of hayfever seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis

Symptoms of hayfeverMention the different ways of managing the symptoms of hayfever

Hayfever and contact lens wear:

Eye irritation

Increased sensitivity

Reduced tear film

Eye rubbing and blinking

Dry eyes

Allergy medication

Contact lens intolerance

Comfort

Go into depth to see how these factors can affect contact lens wear

How can these be overcome?

Daily disposable lenses

Good hygiene

Preservative free artificial tears

Manage symptoms

Avoid exposure to allergens

Medication timing

Regular eye care

Eye protection

Silicone hydrogel lenses

Explore how much of a difference each of these make

Contact lenses for drug delivery:

Research into this and see if this would be possible with antihistamines

Conclusion depending on everything found