Are your eyes itchy and burning? It would be easy to assume that your eye allergies are flaring up. So, you apply allergy eye drops. You were expecting to get better, but the symptoms just got worse. What’s wrong? It’s likely that what you first thought as an allergic reaction was, in fact, dry eye disease. Both conditions share a lot of symptoms. Here’s what you need to know to tell the difference.

Eye Allergies vs. Dry Eyes

Many people readily associate eye allergies with a stuffy nose and a lot of sneezing. But allergies can also cause eye itchiness, swelling, and irritation. Sadly, allergies are not limited to the Spring season. Besides pollen, several triggers can cause an allergic reaction. These include dust mites, pet dander, feathers, and other allergens. Your allergic reaction generally varies depending on the type of allergen you’ve been exposed to. But the main difference between eye allergies and dry eyes is itching.

Your response to an allergen causes the release of histamine into your body. This results in red, itchy, swollen eyes. Others may also complain about stinging or burning sensations, sensitivity to light, and watery eyes. These symptoms generally develop shortly after you’ve been exposed to an allergen. The worst offenders are usually molds and pollens. Eye allergies may occur with one or multiple symptoms. These include sneezing, a runny nose, scratchy throat, and dark circles under your eyes.

Dry eye disease, on the other hand, is a prevalent chronic condition. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce sufficient or quality tears to keep your eyes moist and healthy. Your tears play a crucial role in keeping your eyes well-lubricated. Adequate moisture helps in ensuring that the surface of your eyes is clear. It also aids in preventing eye infections.

The signs of eye allergies and dry eye disease are similar. But they’re not identical. If you have dry eyes, you will likely experience a feeling as if something is caught in your eye. You may also notice that your eyes are red, burning, and tired. Additionally, people with dry eyes may have mucus around their eyes and suffer from light sensitivity and blurred vision.

How Are They Treated?

Treatment for eye allergies and dry eyes is different. The discomfort from dry eye symptoms is often addressed by treating your meibomian glands and using tear lubricants. If you have an eye allergy, though, your doctor will likely prescribe mast cell stabilizers to prevent histamine release. They may also treat the eye symptoms triggered by an allergen with cool compresses and artificial lubricants. Nevertheless, the most effective way to prevent allergies is to limit or avoid your risk of exposure to allergens.

Since allergies and dry eyes generally have similar indicators, it’s easy for patients to self-diagnose. But their similarities may cause you to make an incorrect diagnosis and come up with the wrong treatment plan. Do you think you’re suffering from allergies or dry eyes? At Positive Eye Ons Optometry, we can conduct a complete evaluation and provide recommendations to treat your condition. Call our office today in Los Angeles, California, at (323) 651-5646 to schedule your consultation.