If your eyes are red, itchy, and irritated, you might wonder, do I have dry eyes or allergies? Since the symptoms can be similar, it’s easy to mistake one for the other. But getting the right treatment starts with knowing the differences. Keep reading to learn more about dry eyes and allergies, including how you can tell which condition you are experiencing.
What are the causes?
Both dry eye and allergies can make your eyes feel uncomfortable, but the causes are different.
- Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. This can be due to aging, screen time, medications, or the environment.
- Eye allergies (also called allergic conjunctivitis) occur when your immune system reacts to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust, causing inflammation and irritation.
Are you experiencing dry eye or allergies?
A few key differences can help you figure out the cause of your discomfort. One of the biggest clues is itching. While itchy eyes can occur with dry eyes, it is typically more intense with allergies. Allergies can also cause other symptoms that don’t impact your eyes, such as congestion, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing.
It’s also important to pay attention to when the symptoms occur. Dry eye symptoms often build up gradually and worsen as the day goes on, especially after activities like reading, driving, or staring at a screen. Allergy symptoms, however, tend to appear suddenly, right after exposure to triggers like pollen.
You can also have both
It’s also possible to have dry eyes and allergies simultaneously. Allergies can sometimes trigger dry eyes, especially when your eyes become irritated from airborne allergens. Additionally, some medications used to treat allergies, such as antihistamines, can contribute to dryness by reducing tear production. If you’re experiencing symptoms of both conditions, it’s essential to work with your eye care provider to find a treatment plan that addresses both issues for long-term relief.
How to find relief
No matter what’s causing your eye irritation, relief is possible! Here are some tips to help you find relief:
Tips for relieving dry eyes:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.
- Take breaks from screens and follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Try warm compresses to help unclog your oil glands.
- If your symptoms persist, talk to an eye doctor about treatments like prescription eye drops or scleral lenses.
Tips for relieving allergies:
- Avoid triggers by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons.
- Wash your hands and face after being outdoors.
- Use antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications.
- If your allergies are severe, an eye doctor may recommend allergy testing or stronger treatments.
Still not sure? Visit our eye doctor!
It can be frustrating when you’re experiencing symptoms without knowing the underlying cause! If your symptoms aren’t improving or you’re unsure what’s causing your discomfort, the best thing to do is schedule an eye exam with our experts at True Focus Eye Care. If dry eye is behind your symptoms, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Port Richey, Florida to help you get back to feeling better soon! To find out what’s causing your symptoms and the best treatment, schedule an appointment with us today.