Understanding the Connection Between Allergies and Dry Eye
November 22, 2024
Dry eyes and allergies are common and often interconnected issues that can affect comfort, vision, and overall eye health. Understanding how these two conditions relate can help people manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their quality of life.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them properly lubricated or when tears dry out too quickly. When the eyes are too dry, it can cause discomfort and make it difficult or even impossible to wear contact lenses. Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including, but not limited to, certain diseases such as autoimmune conditions or diabetes, contact lens use, LASIK surgery, medications, and allergies.
Common symptoms associated with dry eye include:
- Eye irritation
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Gritty feeling within the eyes
- Overabundance of tears in the eyes
Understanding Allergies
Allergies affect many people of all ages and can cause an array of uncomfortable symptoms, including dry eyes. They are often triggered by dust, pet dander, and pollen. When these types of allergens come into contact with the eyes (ocular allergies), they can cause irritation and inflammation.
Common symptoms associated with eye allergies include:
- Redness, swelling, or itching of the eyes
- Burning or tearing
- Sensitivity to light
How Allergies Contribute to Dry Eye
Allergies and dry eye can have overlapping symptoms but arise from different causes and may need unique treatment approaches. Allergens can inflame the eyes, disrupt tear production, and destabilize the tear film, leading to dryness and discomfort. Chronic allergy exposure can also worsen dry eye by increasing inflammation and causing the body to overreact to allergens in ways that interfere with the natural tear cycle. Our team at Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology can assist in finding the most effective treatment option for your symptoms.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye Caused by Allergies
While allergies and dry eyes may be common, there are various treatment options available to help ease uncomfortable symptoms. These include:
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Artificial tears are eye drops that can temporarily help relieve eye allergies by washing the allergens from the eye. They can also help to relieve dry eyes by adding moisture. Most people can use artificial tears as often as they need to.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory eye drops that include both an antihistamine and a mast-cell stabilizer can also help relieve itchiness and manage the symptoms of eye allergies.
Prescription Options
Steroid sparing anti-inflammatory eye drops can help to treat chronic and severe eye allergy symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. These eye drops must be prescribed and should be used under medical supervision.
If symptoms cannot be controlled by eye drops, medication, or avoidance of the allergy, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be an option. Immunotherapy involves receiving shots containing a small amount of the allergen. The dose slowly increases over time to help your body become immune.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes like using humidifiers, practicing good eye hygiene, and limiting outdoor exposure during high-pollen times can greatly reduce symptoms.
Preventive Measures and Tips for Managing Symptoms
There are various steps that people can take to minimize dry eye symptoms. Along with using the correct treatment options, such as artificial tears, using lid cleansers to wash the eyelids can release the oil in the eyelids’ glands, thus improving the quality of the tears. Additionally, resting the eyes from prolonged screen time can minimize strain and dryness.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing severe or persistent dry eye symptoms, it’s essential to consult with an eye doctor or ophthalmologist. They can assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and develop a tailored treatment plan to help relieve discomfort and support long-term eye health.
Schedule a Consultation
Understanding the link between allergies and dry eye is crucial for effective management. For patients in Falls Church, VA, Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology offers expert care to help manage and treat both conditions, providing a path to better eye health and comfort. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
