Is It Seasonal Allergies or Dry Eye?

Irritation, scratchiness, or a burning sensation in our eyes are some feelings that most of us are familiar with. Either dry eye or seasonal allergies can cause these. These two are some of the most common conditions affecting our eyes. The main problem is learning how to distinguish the two since their symptoms are similar.

It is also possible to have both conditions simultaneously, making the signs even more severe. You can see an eye doctor at Williamsburg Eye Care who can give you a dry eye exam. They will be able to tell you which of the two you have. You will also get an effective treatment plan for the diagnosis.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eyes can be of two major types. Your eyes can fail to make enough tears, and your tear film may be low quality.

Not Enough Tears

This type of dry eye is called aqueous tear deficient dry eye. The lacrimal gland makes the tears in your eyes, and it is at the corner of your eye. Under normal circumstances, this gland creates enough tears to keep your eyes moist. When the glands fail to produce enough moisture for the eye, it causes dry eye.

Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, this condition can occur because your eyes are aged. Aging can make the eyes not function as they usually would. It can also be caused by various medical conditions or side effects of some medicines.

Poor Quality Tears

Sometimes, the tear film in your eye dries up too quickly. This condition is called evaporative dry eye. It occurs when your eye's tear film is not healthy or due to changes in your environment. Tears have three main layers: an aqueous layer, a mucin layer, and a lipid layer. When your tear film is missing any of these three, it can cause dry eye.

Meibomian glands produce the lipid layer. These glands can become obstructed. Without the lipid layer, your tears evaporate quickly. It is common in people who suffer from blepharitis or rosacea.

Allergies

Eye allergies are also called allergic conjunctivitis. These allergies are not contagious like viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Eye allergies cause one primary symptom that sets allergies apart from other eye conditions. The symptom is itchiness in the eye. The itchiness can become very intense such that it causes redness of the eyes and draws tears.

The skin under and around the eyes might become puffy due to the allergy. You might also develop dark circles under the eye. These are called allergic shiners. Allergies may also cause you to develop light sensitivity. Your eyes may become very watery, and constantly well up with tears. It can get uncomfortable for you, and rubbing the eyes will only worsen the redness. Your eyes may also have a burning sensation with allergies.

For more on whether it is seasonal allergies or dry eye, visit Williamsburg Eye Care at our office in Williamsburg, Virginia. You can call (757) 564-1907 to book an appointment today.