Our Eye Doctors Discuss: Eye Allergies Or Dry Eyes?

Pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold: also known as ‘The Fab 4 of Allergens’. These are the things that set off your eye allergies. From red, itchy, water eyes to sinus pressure, soreness, and pain, you do your best to avoid these like the plague. Yet somehow, you find yourself with the same symptoms over and over again, even when it isn’t spring, which is traditionally allergy season.

Is It Really Eye Allergies, Or Could It Be Dry Eye?

If you’ve got some of the common symptoms or have any discomfort, talk to Dry Eye Doctor Name. Our eye doctor and staff at Dry Eye Center treat patients from the whole CITY 1 area. So don’t suffer needlessly.

The Difference Between Eye Allergies And Dry Eyes

Eye allergies are caused by reactions to certain allergens, either in the air outside or in your home or office. Pollen found in trees, grass, or certain types of weeds usually cause allergic reactions like itchiness or excessive tearing. Pet dander on your carpet, rugs, or furniture can cause you to sneeze, wheeze, or have a constantly runny nose.

Dry eyes, on the other hand, have little to do with allergens in the air and more to do with your eyes’ tear production. Normally, your eyes produce tears, which coat the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable throughout your day. When your eyes can’t release tears naturally, they become dry and irritated.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eyes happen when your tear ducts don’t make enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated or when your tears evaporate too fast. This can happen from natural causes like aging, hormone changes, medications, or your environment. It can also be caused by medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

My Eyes Feel Itchy And Red. Is It Allergies Or Dry Eye?

Many eye allergy symptoms are the same signs of Dry Eye, like redness, itchiness, tearing, feeling like something is stuck in your eye, or a gritty kind of sensation.

So how do you know if what you’re feeling is allergies or Dry Eye?

If you use artificial tears to relieve the itchy, dry feeling, but see no improvement

If you take over-the-counter medicine without any serious relief

If you visit your allergist or family doctor and are given prescription allergy medications, but the pain continues

If any of the above happens, it’s time to pay a visit to Dry Eye Doctor Name. We can give you the relief you’ve been looking for.

How Do You Treat Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies can be treated with artificial tears, medicated eye drops, decongestants, antihistamines, or anti-anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on your specific case, Dry Eye Doctor Name may recommend a combination of treatments.

We’ll work with you to closely monitor your symptoms and make sure you get some serious relief. Our goal is to get you back on track with quick and effective treatment for your symptoms.

Talk to Dry Eye Doctor Name to decide which treatment is right for you. If you do have a more serious eye condition, don’t worry – we can help with that, too.