The National Eye Institute notes that many people often confuse dry eye syndrome with seasonal eye allergies. The onset of these eye conditions can be confusing. Understanding the differences between these two eye conditions can help you get the right treatment. Here are the details that you must consider about the difference between dry eye syndrome and allergies.

The Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome causes severe dryness. This can feel like your eyes are burning. Your eyes are dry because they do not have good-quality tears to lubricate your eyes. There could be redness, swelling, and itchiness. If you do not get treatment for dry eye syndrome, you may develop vision problems as well. Severe cases of this eye condition can result in permanent eye damage.

Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. This is not a contagious condition. Itchiness is the most notable symptom of eye allergies. You may experience severe itchiness, which may create redness and protracted itchiness because of your constant rubbing.

You may experience puffiness in the skin underneath and around your eyes. Some people may also develop allergic shiners, which are dark under-eye circles. Light sensitivity may also occur. Eye allergies can trigger eye wateriness. The discomfort may push you to rub the tears out. This worsens the redness and burning. 

The Causes 

Dry eye syndrome can be the result of insufficient tear production or the production of tears that dry up right away. This eye condition is often mistaken for eye allergy. In some cases, an eye allergy can result from health issues like rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes of dry eye syndrome are: 

• Low humidity.
• Smoking.
• Hormone fluctuations. 
• Dehydration.

Hours of screen time may be necessary because of your job. You may also use your electronic gadgets or watch television all day. These can cause dry eye syndrome. Some medications, such as antihistamines, can dry your eyes as well. 

Eye allergies can result from being in contact with substances that can trigger an allergic reaction. Once this happens, your body floods with histamine to fight the allergens. This often brings about a reaction. Most people experience seasonal eye allergies during spring and autumn. Ragweed and tree pollen are the common culprits. Some people experience eye allergies all year round, depending on what allergens trigger their reaction. Mold, perfume, or pet dander are common substances that can cause eye allergies. 

The Treatments

Eye drops for eye allergies can worsen your dry eye syndrome. Your doctor can recommend artificial tears for this eye condition. Choosing artificial tears that are preservative-free can help moisten your eyes. You can get over-the-counter artificial tears without a prescription. If your case is severe, your eye doctor can give you prescription eye drops. 

Staying away from the allergens that trigger your eye allergies is the most effective way to treat eye allergies. But this is not always possible. Taking an oral antihistamine can prevent the worsening of your eye allergies. Preservative-free eye drops can give you instant relief. Artificial tears can help rinse away allergens. You can use artificial tears many times a day during allergy seasons. 

Knowing the differences between dry eye syndrome and eye allergies can help get you the right treatments. At Green Eye Care, we always make sure that our patients receive the right solutions to their eye health issues. 

Please visit our clinic in New York, New York, for a one-on-one consultation. Call us at 332-334-8700 to set an appointment or inquire about our dry eye and allergy treatment packages. 

References:

https://dmei.org/blog/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-dry-eye-and-allergies/

https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye-or-allergies

https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/dry-eye-or-allergy-how-to-make-the-call