Dry Eye vs. Seasonal Allergies: What’s Affecting Your Eyes?

It’s not uncommon to feel irritation or scratchiness in our eyes. This sensation is typically associated with dry eye and seasonal allergies, even though the difference between the two is often muddled. This may be due to the fact that both conditions can affect our eyes simultaneously, the symptoms overlapping. Fortunately, with a specific dry eye treatment and simple lifestyle tweaks, your visual issues can still be corrected.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common problem that is likely to occur after age 50. It is a condition experienced by people who don’t have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish their eyes. Dry eye can occur due to several causes, including tears not being made properly and tears evaporating too fast. 

Other patients may have a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, where the glands in the eyelids become clogged, preventing the production of oil found in tears. More than 86% of all patients with dry eye have this condition. Another possible reason for dry eye is ocular misalignment which can be corrected by neurolens treatment.

Is It Seasonal Allergies?

The symptoms of seasonal allergies can be similar to dry eye, but the indicating sign is itchiness. When the eye is exposed to an allergen like pollen and pet dander, histamines are released, causing the eyes to itch or tear. If seasonal allergies are affecting your eye, taking antihistamine can be quite effective to fight the inflammation. There are other steps you can take to ease your allergy symptoms.

• Close the windows and doors in your eyes when the pollen count is high outdoors.
• Use clean mattress covers on your bed to prevent dust mites.
• Use a dehumidifier in your home when humidity levels are high to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Wear sunglasses when you’re outside to help keep pollen out of your eyes.

When experiencing a severe dry eye, it’s safer not to assume the cause and instead seek out professional advice from an eye doctor or a scleral optometrist. 

Here at Lumen Optometric, we can expertly determine the cause of your symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan. Call us today at (626) 921-0199 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment.