Dry Eyes and Allergies

If you’re experiencing dry or itchy eyes, you may be wondering whether you have allergies or dry eye syndrome. While these two conditions share some similarities, eye allergies have different underlying causes from dry eye. However, it’s also possible for eye allergies to lead to dry eye syndrome. Common confusion occurs when eyes are red, itchy, burning, and sometimes, watery eyes. In some cases, the eye can experience severe symptoms that cause the eyelids to swell. It’s important to see a dry eye doctor to properly diagnose and treat the dry eye or eye allergy.  Our Doctors are able to look at the conditions surrounding the eye and can provide you with the proper treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and prevent further complications. It is important to seek out treatment when eye allergies or dry eye begin, as they can threaten your eyesight. While it may begin as blurry vision, an infection can set in and there is a potential for permanent vision loss and damage. We can begin treatment as soon as you see us to help reduce your risk of vision loss and recommend at-home treatments that can be combined with any therapy prescribed in our office.

Dry eye is one of the most common and frustrating ocular conditions and is often confused with eye allergies. “In epidemiological studies performed globally, the prevalence of dry eye ranges from 5 to 50 percent. Based on data from the National Health and Wellness Survey, 6.8 percent of the United States adult population (approximately 16.4 million people) have been diagnosed with dry eye disease. The prevalence increased with age (2.7 percent in those 18 to 34 years old versus 18.6 percent in those ≥75 years old) and was higher in women than men (8.8 versus 4.5 percent). “

Dry eye is a disease of the ocular surface that results in eye discomfort,  a poor quality tear layer, and can cause potential damage to the cornea and ocular surface. There are two types of dry eye: Aqueous Deficient (lack of tear production) and Evaporative Dry Eye (low quality of tears).  Unfortunately, some will just treat the “dry eye” but will never do a proper examination to determine the type of dry eye – Evaporative or Aqueous Deficient., and just taking eye drops is not the answer… Once there is a diagnosis proper dry eye treatment can begin.

The technical term for eye allergies is allergic conjunctivitis, which is when the eyes respond to an irritant.  This allergic reaction can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissues that cover the inside of the eyelid, as well as the sclera – the white part of the eye. To counteract the allergy the eye produces histamine, and as a result, can cause the eyes to feel itchy, have a burning sensation, watery eyes, red eyes, and even swollen lids. Unlike a bacterial infection, it does not spread to others. While often temporary eye allergies can sometimes last long periods of time. Common environmental triggers include dust, high pollen, smoke, perfumes, pet allergies, mold, and some foods.

Seasonal Allergies: Seasonal allergies usually occur during the spring and summer months, and sometimes during the fall. Exposure to pollen, grass, and other airborne allergens causes seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Perennial Allergies: They persist throughout the year, and are generally triggered by indoor allergens such as animal dander, dust, and mold spores.

Common Eye Allergy Symptoms

• Red Eyes
• Itchy Eyes
• Mucus Discharge
• Watery Eyes
• Dry Eyes
• Light Sensitivity
• Swollen Lids
• Blepharitis

Eye Allergy Diagnosis

At the Dry Eye Center of Maryland, we will provide a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of eye allergies or dry eye disease. Our evaluation includes a slit lamp (microscope) exam looking for signs of eye allergies, like swollen blood vessels, lid inflammation, and dry spots on the cornea to determine the underlying issue.

Common Eye Allergy Treatments

• Artificial tears
• Decongestants (with or without antihistamines)
• Oral antihistamines
• Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizers
• Steroid eyedrops

With a proper diagnosis, we customize a treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms of the eye allergy. A simple response to any allergy is to avoid or limit contact with the substance causing the problem. But unfortunately, it’s not always known.