Are your eyes constantly itchy, watery, and irritated? You might be dealing with dry eye syndrome, allergies, or both! Since dry eye and allergies have several overlapping symptoms, it can be challenging to figure out which condition you have. Knowing the differences between the two can help you decide when to seek medical attention. Keep reading to learn more about dry eye and allergies, including how you can tell which condition you’re experiencing.
Understanding dry eye syndrome
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to stay hydrated and comfortable. This can lead to a gritty sensation, burning, redness, and even blurry vision. Dry eye symptoms can happen anytime, but many people experience worsening symptoms after long hours on a computer or spending time in a dry environment or heated or air-conditioned spaces. Hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and some medications can also contribute to dry eyes.
Understanding eye allergies
Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, happen when your immune system reacts to allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust. This reaction triggers inflammation, leading to itching, swelling, excessive tearing, and redness. Unlike dry eye, allergy symptoms often flare up suddenly when exposed to allergens, particularly during pollen season or in dusty or fresh grassy environments.
Are you experiencing dry eye or allergies?
One of the main differences between the two conditions is itching. While dry eye may cause mild irritation, allergies almost always lead to significant itchiness. Allergies can also cause other symptoms that don’t affect your eyes, such as congestion, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing.
Timing also plays a role. Dry eye symptoms tend to build gradually and worsen throughout the day, especially after reading, driving, or screen time. Allergy symptoms, on the other hand, can appear suddenly after exposure to triggers.
Finding the right treatment
If dry eye is the issue, you might find relief with artificial tears, warm compresses, and lifestyle changes such as blinking exercises and limiting screen time. For more persistent cases, prescription eye drops or in-office treatments may be necessary to restore tear film stability. At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in New Hartford, CT, and Avon, CT to address the root causes of chronic dry eye. Our cutting-edge treatment options include OptiLight IPL therapy, ZEST, Celluma low level light therapy, the TearCare® System, and Forma-I radiofrequency treatment.
For allergies, avoiding triggers, using antihistamine eye drops, and rinsing your eyes with preservative-free artificial tears can provide relief. However, keep in mind that some allergy medications might reduce tear production, so it’s important to balance treatments if you’re dealing with both dry eye and allergies.
When to see an eye doctor
Since dry eye and allergies can sometimes occur together or be mistaken for other eye conditions, a comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Our eye doctors in New Hartford and Avon can recommend a personalized treatment plan to keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable.
If you’re struggling with dry eye, let us help you find the solution that’s right for you. Give us a call today to request an appointment online.