Embrace summer fun without red eyes

Embrace summer fun without red eyes

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Summer in New Zealand is synonymous with barbecues and picnics, camping and hiking, swimming and surfing. But for some, summer festivities and fun in the great outdoors can also come with a side of irritated, red, or itchy eyes. Pharmacists can help bring the fun back by sharing key information about why we get red eyes during the summer and how to get clear eyes again

Drivers of red eyes during summer

While red eyes can often be associated with infections or eye strain, there are also different environmental factors that can cause red, irritated eyes – smoke, air pollution, sun glare, and swimming in the ocean or chlorinated pool water can all affect how eyes can look and feel.1 These environmental irritants may become more impactful during summer as people spend more time outdoors and get involved in activities around water or smoky barbecues or campfires.

How allergy season affects eyes too

Itchy, watery, red eyes can also result from exposure to environmental airborne allergens such as grass, tree, or weed pollens that occur at different times of the year, depending on location and climate.2 In New Zealand, the spring and summer months see a lot of allergy-triggering pollen in the air, which can be spread far and wide by New Zealand’s windy weather.3

Understanding the cause of red eyes gives a clue to treatment options

Red, bloodshot eyes occur in response to irritants reaching the eye’s surface and causing dilation of the blood vessels located in the white of the eye (the sclera).1,4 Decongestant eye drops, such as those containing naphazoline hydrochloride, can help relieve red eyes by acting as a vasoconstrictor – reducing the blood vessel dilation and mucous membrane swelling caused by minor eye irritations.1

Face summer fun with Clear Eyes™

When faced with people who are seeking relief from red eyes caused by exposure to environmental irritants, consider recommending Clear Eyes™ Redness. It contains naphazoline hydrochloride 0.012% to clear red eyes, relieve minor eye irritation, and soothe and moisturise the eyes. Proven to brighten red eyes for up to 8 hours,5 it’s no wonder that Clear Eyes™ Redness is New Zealand’s number one choice for red eye relief.6

For people who experience red, itchy eyes related to allergies or hay fever, consider recommending Clear Eyes™ Allergy. It’s triple-action formula uses zinc sulphate to relieve itchy eyes, glycerin to moisturise itchy eyes, and naphazoline hydrochloride to remove redness.

Click here to learn more about the Clear Eyes™ range and how it can help relieve red eyes and irritation.

Do not use Clear Eyes™ Redness or Clear Eyes™ Allergy if you have glaucoma or other serious eye conditions. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your health professional.

References

References: 1. Hosten LO, Snyder C. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2020;12:95–105. 2. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Allergic conjunctivitis. April 2019. Available: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-conjunctivitis [accessed January 2024]. 3. Allergy New Zealand. Environmental allergies: pollen. Available: https://www.allergy.org.nz/conditions/environmental-allergies/pollen/ [accessed January 2024]. 4. Singh RB, et al. Ocul Surf. 2021;21:134–144. 5. Abelson MB, et al. Ophthalmology. 1984;91(11):1364–1367. 6. IQVIA Pharmacy NZ Scan MAT October 2023.

This information is for healthcare professional use only. Care Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia. Distributed in New Zealand by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland. For more information call 1800 788 870 or visit www.carepharmaceuticals.com.au.