Do I Have Allergies or Dry Eyes?

Eye allergies and dry eye syndrome are two of the most common ocular conditions people experience daily. Importantly, it is easy to confuse allergy-related symptoms with dry eye syndrome. That can make it hard to find consistent relief. Furthermore, both conditions may affect your eyes simultaneously, worsening your symptoms.

Your eye doctor at Lakhani Vision Care can perform an eye examination to determine the cause of your symptoms. These two eye conditions share similar symptoms but have different underlying causes. However, eye allergies can cause dry eye syndrome. It would help if you understood the similarities and differences between the two to determine the best treatment approach.

Eye Allergies Vs. Dry Eyes

Eye Allergies 

Allergic conjunctivitis, or eye allergies, develops when your eyes react to specific environmental allergens, such as pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust. You probably have allergies if your symptoms are a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat, or nasal congestion. 

Symptoms

Unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Itchiness is the most notable symptom setting this condition apart from other eye problems. The severity of the itchiness may cause you to create redness and tears from constant eye rubbing. Other common symptoms include:

 

• Puffy skin underneath and around your eyes
   

• Allergic shiners
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Watery eyes
   

• Burning sensation in your eyes

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes develop when you have reduced the quantity or quality of tears. Your eyes must constantly produce new tears to stay moist and hydrated. Tears consist of a water layer, a mucus layer, and an oily layer. A compromise in any of these layers will diminish the quality of your tears. That will cause them to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eyes. 

Symptoms

As the name suggests, the condition causes extreme dryness that leads to the following symptoms:

 

• Feeling like there is a foreign object in your eye
   

• Eye redness
   

• Burning sensation
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Eye fatigue
   

• Blurred vision

How to Make the Call

Differentiating between dry eye syndrome and eye allergies can be a challenging task. Many patients complain of nonspecific symptoms like eye irritation and redness. It is difficult to catch the clinical clues if you are a poor historian of your symptoms. Worse still, you may have both conditions. 

The main difference between the two is intense itching. While dry eyes can cause itching, it is usually more severe with eye allergies. Though similar to allergic conjunctivitis symptoms, dry eye symptoms typically include eye dryness, significant irritation, and eye pain. 

Treatment

The treatment will vary based on the condition affecting your eyes. For allergic conjunctivitis, an antihistamine can be very effective. Dry eye treatments vary from case to case, ranging from prescription eye drops and ointments to advanced therapies like LipiFlow or IPL treatment. Your eye doctor will recommend the best option following a comprehensive examination. 

Conclusion

A comprehensive eye exam will determine whether you have allergic conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome. That will help your eye doctor provide an effective treatment plan. Both ocular conditions can significantly affect your quality of life if left untreated. 

For more on allergies and dry eye syndrome, visit Lakhani Vision Care at our office in Marietta, Georgia. Call 770-509-9932 to schedule an appointment today.