Coping With Dry Eye Pain during Allergy Season

Dry eye is very common, occurring in 11 to 22 percent of the population. The condition is more common in older people. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when tears fail to produce enough moisture.

Ocular allergies are an allergic response that causes eye symptoms. More than 40 percent of the American population may have ocular symptoms associated with allergies. Sometimes called allergic conjunctivitis, ocular allergies occur when an allergen irritates the conjunctiva, which is the delicate lining covering the eye and interior of the eyelid. Exposure to pollen and mold spores can lead to ocular allergies, as can contact with dust mites and pet dander.

Your optometrist in Maple Ridge can help you distinguish between dry eye and allergies.

How to Distinguish Between Dry Eye and Allergies

Itching is the hallmark symptom of eye allergies, whereas burning is characteristic of dry eye.

The eye symptoms may be allergic if there is a personal or family history of allergies, or if the individual has ever had episodes of intense itching with watery eyes, redness and puffiness. Allergies may be the more likely culprit if the individual uses eye drops for itching or redness, or uses oral antihistamines.

Symptoms are more likely to be from dry eye if the symptoms become more noticeable while the individual reads, watches television or uses the computer. Dry eye is also more likely the cause if symptoms worsen under certain climactic conditions, most notably with central air conditioning, forced hot air heating, and extremely dry weather.

Your Eye Doctor Can Help You Cope with Dry Eye and Allergies

The best way to deal with allergies, especially patients already suffering from dry eye, is to avoid exposure to allergens. Treatment with a comfortable and lubricating anti-allergic agent will also help. Eye care professionals may supplement anti-allergy therapy with preservative-free tear substitutes that lubricate dry eye. Restasis and other medications may also be helpful.

If you have dry eye that seems to get worse during allergy season, make an appointment with your optometrist in Maple Ridge.