Allergies or Dry Eyes?

Each year spring comes and with it the sunny weather, rain storm,s and yep, you guessed it pollen! So are your eyes really dry or could your eye irritation just be from allergies? Lets find out!

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, (AAO), dry eyes can be caused by a number of things including environmental factors and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the more common reasons for dry eyes:

Contact Lenses
Smoke
Surgery
Heavy Wind or Dry Atmosphere
Computer Use
Medications
Medical Conditions

Common Triggers for Allergies

Smoke and Exhaust
Pollens
Pet Dander and Dust Mites
Molds
Chemicals
Perfumes

As you can see, many of the triggers for allergies can also be the cause of dry eyes. So whether you have allergies of not, there are several things you can do to alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes. First lets look at some of the symptoms of dry eyes:

Dry Eye Symptoms

Redness
Itching
Burning
Watering
Blurry Vision
Sensitivities to Light

So what’s a person to do? Talking with your Primary doctor and your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist should be at the top of your list to determine why you are experiencing dry eyes or if you need medications to help you combat dry eyes. But there are some things you can do to alleviate dry in the present that will help to soothe you:

Choose eyeglasses over contacts if you are having dry eye problems
Be sure to wash your hands before touching your eye area especially after touching animals or using harsh chemicals or perfumes and before handling Contact Lenses
Stay inside and close windows during high pollen count days
Wear sunglasses while outside to cut down on pollen contact and protect eyes
Use a Dehumidifier during wet months to cut down on molds
Wash bedding and clothing regularly to cut down on mites and allergens
Always keep your hands and face washed after exposure to allergens, indoors or outdoors