Ocular allergy and quality of life in a regional Australian optometry practice.

Clinical relevance: Ocular allergy (OA) is likely to be a significant problem in regional Australia and may affect quality of life.

Background: Regional locations vary markedly in the types, quantities, and seasonality of allergens compared with urban environments. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of OA on quality of life in patients presenting to a regional Australian optometric practice.

Methods: In this 12-month cross-sectional study, 107 adults with OA were recruited from a practice in Bundaberg, Australia. Self-reported symptoms, treatments, triggers and seasonality were recorded. Ocular itch was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale-11. Conjunctival hyperaemia and papillae were graded using the Efron Grading Scales. Tear meniscus height and non-invasive tear break-up time were measured using keratography. Participants completed the mini Rhino-Conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-RQLQ). Climate data for the month prior to presentation were collected.

Results: Mean age of participants was 56 years (SD 18 years) and 67% were female. Only 33.6% initially reported ocular itch. Papillae in the most affected eye was the only OA sign that correlated with overall mini-RQLQ score, although weakly (rho = 0.194, p = 0.046). Peak OA occurred mostly between July and January. Multiple regression analysis indicated correlations between overall mini-RQLQ score and OA history (p < 0.001) and worsening degree of OA symptoms in the past year (p = 0.002). Higher average minimum (p = 0.015) and higher average maximum temperatures (p = 0.008) in the month prior to presentation were associated with a worse mini-RQLQ 'Eye Symptoms' domain score.

Conclusion: Previous history of OA symptoms was significantly associated with worse quality of life. Optometrists should be aware of and consider the negative impact of OA on quality of life in developing management plans for patients with OA.