Symptoms of Dry Eye Vs. Seasonal Allergies

If you have some eye discomfort, you may have dry eye or seasonal allergies. Eye doctors thought the two were the same for a long time, but studies have shown the two conditions differ slightly. Their symptoms are pretty similar, but their causes are not. Despite these differences, you may develop dry eye from seasonal allergies. 

 

What Is Dry Eye?

About five million people in America deal with dry eye syndrome. It is a condition that develops when there is a problem with your tears. Your eyes may either have poor-quality tears or inadequate tears. Either of these conditions means your tears will dry up quicker than usual. 

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eyes present several symptoms. You may experience the feeling of sand in your eyes. Your eyes may also have a burning sensation and turn red.

If you have contact lenses, your dry eye symptoms will worsen. When untreated, dry eyes can lead to damage to the ocular surface. You will also have other vision issues like blurry vision and light sensitivity.

Causes of Dry Eye 

Commonly, dry eye is misdiagnosed as an eye allergy, especially if you are doing it at home. If you notice that your symptoms are not subsiding, it would be best to see an eye doctor. Dry eye may occur due to underlying health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and thyroid disease. 

 

Here are other possible causes of dry eye:

 

• Dehydration

• Fluctuating hormones due to oral contraceptives, menopause, or pregnancy

• Smoking

• Low humidity

• Moving air or windy environments

• Digital eyestrain

• Side effects of medications like antidepressants and antihistamines
  
   

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Eye allergies are issues that develop when you are affected by a specific allergen. These allergens prompt a defense response in your body, leading to the release of antihistamines, which result in allergic reactions. 

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

Eye allergies are clinically known as allergic conjunctivitis. Unlike other forms of conjunctivitis, it is not contagious. Eye allergies have symptoms that are very similar to dry eye, except for itchiness. 

Allergic conjunctivitis causes itchiness that may lead to ocular surface tears and redness. It may also cause the skin under your eyes to become puffy or cause circles under the eyes, which turn dark. You may also experience increased light sensitivity. Moreover, your eyes may become watery and constantly fill up with tears. 

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

As the name suggests, seasonal allergies only happen during specific seasons. If you have eye allergies in the fall and spring, you may be reactive to ragweed or tree pollen. 

 

Some people have these allergies all year round. These people may be allergic to pet dander, smoke, mold, dust mites, fragrances, or perfumes. Also, you may be predisposed to developing eye allergies if you have hay fever or nasal allergies.

 

If you have persistent seasonal allergies, you should see a doctor who may help you remediate the condition.

For more information on symptoms of dry eye vs. seasonal allergies, contact Rieger Eyecare Group ​​​​​at our office in Normal, Illinois. Call (309) 320-2020​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.