SCRIPTOPEDIA

Discussing Allergy

“GOOD SCRIPTS ARE HARD TO FIND” - DANIEL CRAIG

Welcome to the encyclopedia of patient scripts, or “Scriptopedia,” where you, our readers, submit specific scripts that you or your staff have used with great success in your practice. Each script is presented with the goal of either increasing patient education or the dispensing of a product or service. This month’s topic: Discussing allergy.

“When your eyes are itchy, this is an allergic response to something they have been exposed to, and the eyes are not real happy about it. This could be pollution, smoke, animal dander, that noxious perfume the woman seated next to you at the movies was wearing, plant-related pollen or something else. Unfortunately, the longer your eyes are exposed to an allergen, the more they become swollen, making them water and your vision blur. My job, as your eye doctor, is to help prevent these allergens from making your eyes itch in the first place. Fortunately, I can prescribe some very potent topical medications, and not those drops you buy over the counter, to stop the allergy process.” — Marc Bloomenstein, O.D., F.A.A.O., Scottsdale, Ariz.

“I have taken a close look at your eyes and determined that you have a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white portion of the eye and the inner lining of the eyelids. The inflammation is caused by exposure to an allergen, which could be pollen, mold, animal dander or anything else that causes an allergic response. Allergic conjunctivitis can accompany seasonal nasal allergies, or can be present year-round. The typical symptoms associated with ocular allergies are itching, burning, redness, tearing, blurred vision and localized swelling. I am going to prescribe a topical medication, which will reduce or eliminate your symptoms. I can also offer some practical suggestions that should provide additional relief: Determine and eliminate potential sources of allergy; use cold compresses to reduce ocular swelling; replace air conditioning filters; and minimize environmental exposure to pollen. I’d like to see you again in one week to monitor your progress. I’m certain that you’ll be seeing relief from your symptoms and feeling much better.” — C. Steven Lancaster, O.D., F.A.A.O., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

UPCOMING TOPICS:

NOVEMBER: Who’s Teaching Who?

DECEMBER: Infectious Disease